| As baby boomers begin to age and to retire, we are | | | | the home. You don't want to make renovations that |
| faced with the question of where we would like to | | | | make it obvious that an older person lives there. If |
| live out our older years. Most Americans when asked | | | | there are other people living in the home, you want |
| that question would answer that they want to | | | | to make sure the changes are as compatible with |
| continue to live in their own home. That will be fine | | | | their lifestyles as they can be--try to find a happy |
| as long as you take the time to evaluate your home | | | | medium. Consult with a builder who is certified as an |
| and consider what changes are necessary to make | | | | aging-in-place specialist. He may be able to offer |
| your home safer and more livable. There are many | | | | some suggestions that will make the changes suitable |
| resources available to help you doo that | | | | for all parties involved. |
| evaluation--resources such as books, the Internet and | | | | Third, place a special emphasis on preventing falls as |
| various organizations devoted to assisting the elderly. | | | | falling accidents are the one thing that is likely to |
| The first thing you should do is make an overall | | | | cause injuries serious enough to keep you from living |
| evaluation of your home and determine what needs | | | | an independent life in your own home. Falling |
| to be updated and/or upgraded. For instance, you | | | | accidents can cause serious injuries requiring |
| should consider such things as easy-to-grip faucet | | | | hospitalization and they can be very costly. |
| levers, brighter lighting, rounded countertops and | | | | Finally, be sure to plan ahead. Don't wait until you |
| handrails for the bathtub and shower. Again, use any | | | | start having trouble getting around in your own |
| resources that may be available to you within your | | | | home. Make the renovations on a gradual basis if |
| community or on-line to help make this assessment. | | | | practical and incorporate them into your existing |
| The second thing to consider is the overall design of | | | | household with minimal interruption to your lifestyle. |