If you’re entering into your later years, it’s time to decide how you’re going to live out the rest of your life. And thankfully, you have plenty of options.

Most people in retirement age consider a few common options when it comes to living out the rest of their lives. And though some may consider retirement homes and nursing homes as options, the latter is unfortunately known for having allegations of elderly abuse and neglect; even with the bounty of information available on the subject and the existence of advocacy groups that fight such things, nursing homes may not be a viable solution.

All things considered, the best way to retire for most people is aging in place. This is basically when you choose to remain in your home, hopefully, nearby lifelong friends and loved ones. But if you’re going to age in place there are a few things you might want to consider regarding home renovations to make your life easier.

Here, we’ll explore a few ways you can modify your home to make it more comfortable for you as you age in place.

Opening Up Your Rooms

Many older homes have one thing and a couple of things in common. First, they were largely built much stronger and better than homes today. And second, they are notorious for having numerous walls and dividing partitions. 

When you grow older, it might be hard to negotiate corners and turns as easily as you could in your youth. And this can present an obstacle for you. 

In order to make your home more breathable and accessible, consider widening rooms or removing walls. 

Talking to a competent home renovation contractor will help you to plan out your vision. And you’ll also be able to plan a design that suits your style and taste. In fact, often you may only need to widen one room or reduce a wall in certain areas, depending on the layout of your home of course. 

Walkways 

When we get older, negotiating stairs and even small steps can present a problem. In fact, numerous injuries to elderly citizens happen from falling downstairs. 

As such, if you have a walkway with stairs such as a threshold that leads out to a porch, consider removing the stairs and installing a ramp instead. 

A ramp makes for a safer home, and allows for ease of access for anyone entering or exiting the home. And if you find yourself having difficulty getting around later in life, or if you have to rely on the use of a walker or a wheelchair, removing stairs will become essential for both your mobility and your safety within the home as you age in place. 

Additionally, adding railings near walkways, especially leading into doorways may also be beneficial for added safety.

Step-in Bathtubs

No matter how old you are, there’s nothing like a hot, refreshing soak in a bath. And this is something that has been shown to reduce stress, open pores, and revitalize the skin. 

But as you age, getting in and out of a traditional bathtub can be difficult, and it can also be dangerous. For example, you may find yourself not having the strength to pull yourself out of the tub after a relaxing soak. Or, you could easily slip and fall on a damp floor. 

In order to add a bit more convenience (and safety), you might consider having a step-in bathtub and shower installed. These are great for those who have difficulty bending and stooping. 

Essentially, a step-in tub is a bathtub with a sealable door. And this allows you to walk in, have a seat, close the door and fill up your tub, perfect for those who love a hot bath at the end of the day. 

Getting your home squared away to be of best benefit to you is essential when you decide to age in place. And though you may have a great support network around you to offer help when you need it, having your home made comfortable and safe is the best strategy to pursue.