Aging in Place: 3 Key Insights from an Occupational Therapist

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When you think about buying a home for aging in place, you’re not just buying property—you’re investing in your future comfort, safety, and independence. As an occupational therapist, I’ve had countless conversations with my own family about what makes a home work as we age. Here are three key insights I shared with them to help ensure a home supports not just living, but thriving.

1. Location, Location, Location

Where you live matters, and it’s more than just your zip code—it’s about staying close to the things (and people) that bring you joy.

Stay Near What You Love: Whether that’s family, lifelong friends, or your favorite neighborhood spots, pick a location that minimizes barriers to staying socially connected. Isolation is one of the biggest threats to aging well, so proximity to people and activities you enjoy is crucial.
Walkability Counts: Think about access to places like grocery stores, restaurants, and parks. Walkable neighborhoods can make day-to-day errands easier and encourage activity.
Transportation is Vital: You may be driving now, but that won’t always be the case. Choose a home near public transportation routes or consider ride-share services like Lyft and Uber to maintain your independence.

As we age, even small mobility hurdles can feel like big challenges. A convenient location eliminates excuses and keeps you connected to the world around you.

2. Prioritize a Single-Story Home Without Steps

Think about the things you do every day: getting out of bed, walking to the bathroom, heading to the kitchen, and leaving the house. Now imagine doing all of that with stairs in the way—every single time.

Single-Level Living: A one-story home ensures that all the essential spaces are easily accessible without the strain of going up and down stairs.
Plan for Life’s Hurdles: Even if you’re healthy and mobile now, life happens. Temporary mobility challenges like surgeries or injuries can make stairs exhausting or even impossible.
Entry Without Steps: Look for homes with no-step entries at the front door or garage. Being able to come and go with ease makes life so much simpler—especially when heading out for a grandchild’s tee-ball game or coffee with friends.

Tired legs are more prone to tripping, and the last thing you need is your home making recovery or daily living harder than it needs to be.

3. No Toilet in a Tiny Water Closet

We need to talk about the bathroom. Specifically, the toilet. While privacy is important, functionality and safety should come first.

Mobility is Inevitable: At some point, you’ll likely use a walker or wheelchair. These tools are lifesavers for reducing pain, conserving energy, and navigating safely—but they need space to work effectively.
Tiny Water Closets = Big Problems: Those narrow rooms for toilets (aka water closets) aren’t wide enough for walkers to turn around or wheelchairs to fit through. They’re energy-draining and full of hazards.
Think Big, Open Spaces: Opt for bathrooms with easy access, wide doorways, and enough room to move comfortably. You’ll thank yourself later for skipping the 8-point turn in a tiny space.

When it comes to aging in place, energy conservation and safety are non-negotiables, and tiny bathrooms simply don’t cut it.

Simple Tips for Finding the Right Home

When house hunting for aging in place, here’s a quick checklist to keep in mind:

Look for homes with a single-story layout and no steps at the entry.
Choose a location close to family, friends, or favorite activities.
Avoid features like water closets that limit mobility or access.

Aging in Place: The Gift of Independence

A home that supports aging in place is more than just a place to live—it’s a place that empowers you to enjoy life on your terms. By focusing on accessibility, functionality, and convenience, you’re setting yourself up for a future filled with comfort and independence.

So, as you look for your forever home, remember these tips and take your time finding a space that works for you. Happy hunting, and here’s to living in a home that brings you joy and peace of mind!

Need Help With Your Current Home For Aging In Place?

Enduring Home Solutions specializes in making homes safer and easier to live in. We have a full suite of services and products to meet what your specific needs are. We are here to help and support you for as long as you wish to live in your home!

About the Author

Kendall is an occupational therapist with 17 years of experience in outpatient and home health settings. Her passion lies in helping people create safe, functional spaces that enhance their independence and quality of life.

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