Don’t be caught off guard.

At age 69, I was the “silver sneaker” poster child: fit and healthy, living on my own, fiercely independent and proud of it. Ironically, my main fitness exercise, avid fast walking, contributed to significant wear and tear on my hips. After a year of pain, I consulted an orthopedic surgeon, who proclaimed that I needed a new pair. 

Because I was in excellent health, he suggested “bilateral hip replacement” surgery — both hips at once. Sounded good to me. Being in such good health, I assumed I’d heal like a champ and believed that coming home to my one-level condo in an elevator building would be a breeze. 

Ha! Preparing for my at-home rehabilitation was like facing a tsunami of details about safety and access. I was caught off guard about what I needed to successfully age in place. Things I always took for granted, like stepping out of both my low-rise shower and bed, were challenging. Before my in-patient physical therapy facility would release me, I had to certify that I had “grab rails” installed in my shower. I didn’t and it was a hustle to find a reputable outfitter. 

And those weren’t the only upgrades I needed.

This episode was a rude awakening about the importance of considering the steps to successfully age in place. It’s best to plan well ahead of time.

Psst! Yes, you’re at risk, too!  

Anyone age 55 or older has a good chance of needing new hips, knees or shoulders by their mid-60s. There are many other seen and unseen variables that impact mobility and access for aging adults. According to Pew Trusts’ 2023 snapshot, Philadelphia’s 55 and older adult population represents 26% of our population, or as AARP puts it, one in four of Philly’s nearly 1.6 million residents. 

Staying in your home is a good option

Aging in place is top of mind for many seniors. There are various organizations dedicated to providing services and programs to help aging members, such as our own Northwest Village, but older adults who wish to stay put will eventually need to consider home modifications or even new construction to accommodate physical limitations. Thankfully, Philadelphia has resources for citizens of all income levels.

Multiple resources available

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), in collaboration with AARP and other experts, developed the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation, which remodelers earn through training and testing during a multicourse educational program. CAPS professionals focus on the unique needs of the older adult population, examining common barriers and the appropriate aging-in-place home modifications. 

AARP’s “HomeFit Guide” begins with a checklist of questions designed to allow seniors to think wisely about how living independently for longer. Here are a dozen of their considerations: 

1. Is there a step-free entrance into your home?
2. Is there a bedroom, full bath, and kitchen on the main level?
3. Are the interior doorways at least 36” wide?
4. Does the kitchen have a work surface you can use while seated?
5. Are the kitchen cabinets and shelves easy for you to reach?
6. Are your exterior walkways and entrances well lighted?
7. Do all your area rugs have nonslip grips to prevent tripping or slipping?
8. Are stairway light fixtures located at both the top and bottom of the stairs?
9. Do you have a shower with a step-free entry?
10. Does your bathroom have a lever-, touch- or sensor-style faucet?
11. Are there nonslip strips or nonslip mats in the bathtub and/or shower?   

Is your property right for an Accessory Dwelling Unit?

A popular new form of elder housing is an ADU. These self-contained living spaces are either attached to or located on the same property as a main dwelling unit. Smaller in size than the main dwelling unit and often with a separate entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and living area, ADUs can be either newly constructed or converted from existing structures, such as garages or basements. 

Chestnut Hill-based Krieger + Associates Architects’ aging-in-place addition was designed for a suburban Philadelphia home and won a 2022 Chrysalis Award for Remodeling Excellence. The project, a 650-square-foot single-story apartment addition featured a combination bedroom/sitting room, kitchenette with an office nook and laundry, and an accessible bathroom allowing the homeowner’s father to live independently but close to family. 

Zoning plays a critical factor as to whether such a structure can be built on your space. It is essential to consult local zoning codes to obtain proper permits before beginning any ADU project.

Don’t get caught off guard. Spring is a good time to assess your surroundings.