Common Barriers to Aging in Place

The idea of aging in place is gaining popularity among older adults and their families. However, while many older adults choose to stay in their own homes as they age, some barriers make this a challenging goal to reach. If you’re interested in aging in place for yourself or a family member, you need to understand some of the common barriers.  

In this article, The Bathroom Store, one of the leading providers of quality tub replacement services, discusses hindrances you may face when it comes to aging in place. 

Lack of Preparation

One of the major barriers to aging in place is the lack of preparedness. Many people are simply unprepared for aging in place. In most cases, people don’t think that far ahead and may be unsure what to prepare in the first place. If they do choose to prepare, it may not be enough for the demands to come. 

Housing and Home Design

Many things can be barriers regarding a person’s housing. For one thing, there may be a lack of proper planning at a community level for multigenerational or intergenerational homes. There may also be a lack of affordable and accessible home options.

No matter the age or ability of a person, accessible remodeling can help create homes that are easier to live in. Take the bathroom as an example. When it comes to a bathroom sink installation, you may want to consider having a lever faucet so that older people avoid making twisting and turning motions. 

Transportation

Transportation is often safety issue for the elderly. Driving is unsafe for many seniors, and many towns don’t have transportation systems with the necessary accessibility features for the elderly. Seniors may have trouble getting into the transportation and navigating to their destination safely. Even walking around one’s town can be a challenge since many cities have crumbling or cracked sidewalks that are a fall hazard. 

Accessibility

As people age, their abilities change. Certain health conditions creep in, which increase their living needs. For older adults, this means they need easier access to everyday tasks, objects and locations. Many communities require complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Unfortunately, there is not a minimum requirement of compliance. This makes it difficult for the elderly to access office buildings, restaurants, public areas, among other things. 

Now that you know the common barriers to aging in place, you can thoroughly plan and prepare to avoid some of these things. Always remember that accessibility is key to making life easier for older folks. To learn more about bathroom accessibility, get in touch with The Bathroom Store. We offer excellent tile installation services and more. Call us today at (701) 223-1008 or fill out our contact form to set an appointment.