Home inspections can help older adults safely age in place
As Dorothy said in The Wizard of Oz, “There’s no place like home.” According to a survey from Capital Caring Health, older adults overwhelmingly prefer to age in place rather than move to an assisted living facility or nursing home. The problem is that sometimes our homes aren’t the safest place. There are trip and fire hazards, and a myriad of other things that can go wrong. A home inspection can help uncover serious defects that pose a risk to older adults—and you may even save money in the long run. Here’s what you can expect.
The purpose of an aging-in-place inspection is to identify hazards or defects in a home that may pose a risk to older adults. Some of the most significant issues are trip, slip, and fall hazards. According to research, every $1 spent modifying a home to reduce the risk of falls saved $1.50 in medical expenses for those aged 75 or older.
Home inspections are especially important for older adults, as Dan Howard, president of Pittsburgh’s home inspection company, Envirospect, points out. Even if you think your home is in great shape, contractors can sometimes cut corners. That’s where a home inspector comes in—they won’t overlook anything. Not only will they identify potential issues, but they’ll also provide valuable tips on making your home more accessible.
Overall, staying home lets older adults maintain their routine, remain close to family and friends, and live without the possible limitations of care facilities. It also helps them avoid or delay the additional cost. According to AARP, the average monthly cost of a one-bedroom unit in an assisted living facility is $4,500. That number more than doubles if you need nursing home care.
During an aging-in-place home inspection, inspectors will look for a broad range of potential hazards and defects. Some of these are akin to what you can expect from a regular home inspection. Others are more specialized to identify and eliminate risks for older adults. They’ll also consider your unique health considerations and suggest ways you can make your home more accessible.
Falls are the leading cause of injury and death in adults over 65, but you can mitigate your fall risk by removing specific hazards. During your inspection, a home inspector will look at potential areas that pose a risk of tripping, slipping, and falling. They may suggest:
Removing shaggy carpets; slippery rugs, runners, and mats; loose electrical cords, and other potential hazards
Repaving walkways and driveways
Removing entryway floor seams
Installing non-slip coverings on tile or hardwood
Repairing broken or loose flooring
Older adults, particularly those with physical limitations, can improve their homes for greater accessibility. A home inspector might suggest changes like:
Installing a ramp and widening doorways for wheelchairs and walkers
Installing shelving near the front entryway so you can easily put down your belongings while locking and unlocking the door
Replacing door knobs and faucets with levers
Replacing your oven door so you don’t need to bend over
A home inspector will examine your home for fire and carbon monoxide risks. This includes:
Ensuring that light fixtures are fitted with bulbs of the proper wattage
Ensuring that smoke detectors are working and up to par with safety regulations
Checking outlets and switches to identify faulty electrical wiring
Checking wood-burning stoves for proper installation
Checking HVAC systems for gas and fuel leaks
Ensuring that chimneys aren’t loose or blocked
Leaks can easily go unnoticed, but it’s not uncommon for minor leaks to cause big problems. Water damage leads to mold, which can cause health issues, and a leak that’s dripping on an electrical panel can ruin appliances or even cause a fire.
Legionella causes pneumonia, especially in people with compromised immune systems. Continued exposure will cause repetitive illness. Since older adults can be at an increased risk, home inspectors will look at your hot water tank. At low temperatures, water tanks can be breeding grounds for that type of bacteria.
Older adults are most at-risk for home improvement fraud. An inspector will help identify what work needs to be done and if past work was done properly. Ask plenty of questions and search for a single inspector with specific experience in home inspections for older adults.
Home inspections typically cost between $200 and $500, but keep in mind that prices can climb, especially for larger homes or those in high-cost living areas. You can go about hiring an inspector for an aging-in-place home inspection in a couple of ways. You can search for a qualified, licensed inspector on your own, but you can also tap an organization like the Senior Home Safety Network (SHSN).
The SHSN, based in Pittsburgh, is a national network of inspectors who help older adults and the relatives of older adults who want to safely age in place. The network operates in 50 different cities, and you can call a regional office to schedule an inspection.
To make your home more accessible, think about installing a stair lift for smooth transport between floors or a home elevator for easy access in multi-floor homes. Widening doorways helps wheelchairs navigate with ease while grab bars in bathrooms and hallways offer essential support. Consider replacing traditional door knobs with lever handles, which are much easier to use, especially for those with limited hand strength. Whether you tackle small changes or larger renovations, these upgrades can turn your home into a welcoming space for everyone.
You don’t have to commit to a complete home renovation to age in place comfortably—those can get pricey. Instead, focus on a few impactful changes. Consider adding a stair lift or installing ramps to eliminate barriers. Upgrading to non-slip flooring can prevent falls while adding brighter lighting can improve visibility throughout your home. These thoughtful updates can make your home much easier to navigate and enhance your comfort and safety without the stress and cost of a complete overhaul.
