Babel Fish Translation Babel Fish logo Spanish Flag Russian Flag Korean Flag

Housing

There are many housing options for an older person who wants to continue to live independently in the community. He or she can remain at home and make physical modifications to the home and/or bring in services as needed. An individual can also look to move to a smaller house, an apartment, a condominium or a retirement community. A better understanding of these options may make the decision easier.

There are many housing options for an older person who wants to continue to live independently in the community.

Step One: Assess Your Surroundings

Look at the neighborhood:

  • Is it safe?
  • Is transportation available and accessible?
  • Are there stores nearby?
  • Are there friends and family nearby to offer support?

Look at your home:

  • Is it safe?
  • Can you move around easily; are the doors wide enough for a walker or wheelchair?
  • Do you need to climb stairs to get to the bedroom or bathroom?

Step Two: Make Modifications

If you or your loved one finds that the present home is not safe, or has elements that make it difficult to live in, there are changes that can be made. Some common age-related changes and a few simple solutions to deal with them include:

Vision Loss

  • Make sure you have adequate lighting in all areas of your home and in the entrance areas. An electrician may be required if lighting fixtures need to be added or your wiring is inadequate for increased lighting.
  • Use contrasting colors, for example, dark furniture against light colored walls and flooring.
  • Make sure all clutter is kept off of the floors and that walkways, both inside and outside, are clear. Remove scatter rugs as they can cause someone to trip and fall.

Hearing Loss

  • Purchase amplifiers for the telephone, television and doorbells in addition to using a hearing aid. Amplified/large button phones are available.
  • Consider installing blinking lights to alert you to the ringing of the telephone or doorbell.
  • Consider a television that has closed captioning.
  • Consider using a TTY or TDD.

Poor Balance

  • Install grab bars in the bathroom (for both bathtub and toilet) and handrails on both sides of the stairs and also in the hallways.
  • Eliminate scatter rugs and clutter.
  • Eliminate furniture with sharp edges, or furniture that is unstable.

Arthritic Hands

  • Install lever-type faucets in the kitchen and bathroom.
  • Install lever-type door and cabinet openers in place of round knobs.
  • Use easy grip kitchen tools.
  • Use assistive devices to help with dressing, bathing and eating.

Decreased Mobility

  • Use a walker, wheelchair or scooter.
  • Remodel your home to ensure that the bathroom (including toilet, basin and shower area), bedroom and entrance/exit are easily accessible.
  • If necessary, consult your health care provider or a physical and/or occupational therapist about assistive devices that would be helpful.
  • Consider if a chair with an adjustable seat  that rises would be helpful to push you from a sitting to a standing position.

Major Renovations

If you find you need major renovations and must hire a contractor, consider the following:

  • In Maryland, home improvement contractors, sub-contractors and salespersons are required to be licensed, and contractors must be bonded. Check to see that each vendor is currently licensed and/or bonded.
  • Get at least three estimates. Ask for references and, if possible, look at the vendor's work.
  • Check with the Better Business Bureau.
  • Call the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (410-230-6309) to check the records of the contractors and to see if there are any complaints against the contractor.
  • Always get a written contract.
  • Avoid contractors who require a sizable portion of the payment when the contract is signed. Maryland law prohibits a contractor from receiving more than one-third of the contract price at the time the contract is signed.

Step Three: Bring in Services

You may want to consider hiring a nursing assistant to assist with personal care services or an individual to provide housekeeping services. There are different skill levels for aides who assist with personal care and those who perform housekeeping services and there are different types of agencies that provide these workers. Understanding the types of service that home health aides and other assistants provide will be helpful.

There are individuals and organizations that can do a home assessment and/or suggest modifications to make your home safer and more livable. Some are noted here:

  • Easter Seals Low Vision Rehabilitation (310-931-8925 x131)
  • Services for Blind & Visually Impaired Individuals, Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (410-554-9408)
  • Blind Industries and Services of Maryland (410-737-2600)
  • Geriatric case managers

Downsizing

Apartments are an option that some older persons consider. There are several different kinds of apartments to consider:

  • Open market apartments can be high-rise or garden style. They may or may not have amenities such as a pool. The apartment complex may be family-oriented or focused more toward an older population. Some will have elevators.
  • Senior Apartments are available for individuals 62 years and older (or disabled younger people). They usually charge a moderate rent and may have services such as personal care and congregate meals available for an additional fee.
  • HUD Section 8 Apartments are subsidized so that residents pay a limited percentage of their income toward the rent.

Additional Information

The local Senior Information and Assistance Office can provide you with a list of apartments available to seniors in your area. Baltimore County also offers a listing of available senior apartments for your review.

Moving to a Retirement Community
Retirement communities offer independent living apartments or cottages as well as assisted living and nursing care facilities. They usually require a down payment and monthly fees for the residence and the many amenities that come with it.