Modern Retirement: Aging in Place

A senior citizen or person with a disability who ages in place lives as independently as possible in their own home. As someone enters into their elderly years or has a disability that progresses over time, they lose the ability to get around and maneuver as well as they used to. By considering several aspects of the home that can improve accessibility and safety, you remove or postpone the need to relocate as your safety needs change.

Every day roughly 10,000 people reach the age of 65, equating to nearly 4 million baby boomers entering retirement each year. The majority of baby boomers have very different expectations from their parents regarding their retirement lifestyle. 90% of retirees would prefer to age in place; however, 80% have not properly prepared their homes to function safely as their needs change.

Aging in place means living your life amongst the family and friends you’ve known, with the lifestyle you’ve enjoyed for years, without losing freedom or quality of life issues found in many retirement homes.

What Is an Aging-in-Place Home Safety Inspection?

We perform home and property condition, safety, and security audit inspections with reporting to the homeowners or family. Includes a 90+ point inspection covering specific items that pertain to the elderly, emphasizing their safety.

The aging-in-place inspection evaluates the home for safety and comfort, considering the new difficulties you may encounter over the next 5, 10, or 20 years or more. An aging-in-place home inspection aims to recommend modifications that make the goal of independent living a reality.

As an example, we will be looking out for issues such as:

• Could you live on only the first floor if the home has multiple levels?
• Are the doors and hallways wide enough to accommodate a motorized scooter?
• Is there enough room outside the house to install an access ramp?
• Is there a bathroom on the first floor that can accommodate a wheelchair or walker?
• Are there anti-scald controls for the faucets?
• Is there non-slip flooring in appropriate areas?
• Are there exterior sensor-triggered lights in appropriate areas?
• Is the landscaping low-maintenance?
• And more

Aging-In-Place Home Safety Inspections in Minneapolis, St. Paul & Surrounding Suburbs

Whole House Observations provides aging-in-place home safety inspections in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding suburbs. Not sure if that’s you? Call us at (612) 434-0627 or email us.