Aging in Place: Because Nursing Homes Don’t Serve Tacos After 8pm

By C², Connie Colleen Wyatt, Occupational Therapist, PNW Home for Life, PLLC.

Let’s face it: growing older at home sounds way better than being somewhere unfamiliar with plastic chairs, mystery meatloaf, and a guy named Carl who plays the harmonica at 6am. That’s why aging in place is the ultimate life goal — right up there with retiring on a beach, owning a recliner that fully reclines, and not needing to label every Tupperware.

But before you picture yourself doing tai chi in the garden at age 89 or yelling at the neighborhood kids from the porch you paid off in 1998, let’s talk about what actually makes aging in place successful (and safe).

The Key Ingredients to a Happy Home as You Age

🛁 1. Make Your Home Fall-Proof… Not Fun-Proof

You know what’s scarier than your grandkid’s Minecraft gaming skills? Slippery floors and poorly lit hallways.

Grab bars in the bathroom aren’t just for rock climbers. Lever door handles, non-slip rugs, and walk-in showers are the MVPs of not breaking a hip during a midnight pee. (Which, let’s be honest, is probably happening nightly now.)

Think of it like turning your house into a VIP retirement lounge. Smooth access, good lighting, and the occasional jazz playlist.

🪜 2. Accessibility Is Hot Now

Step-free entrances? Sexy. Wide doorways for wheelchairs or walkers? Supermodel status.

You’re not preparing for a life of limitations — you’re prepping your home to be a runway for your golden-year strut. Make it easy to get around. You deserve to move like a majestic, slightly creaky gazelle.

🧠 It’s Not Just Physical — It’s Emotional, Baby

According to the National Institute on Aging, people want to stay in their homes because it feels familiar, comfortable, and full of memories — like that mysterious dent in the wall from when you “fixed” the ceiling fan with a broom handle.

But aging in place isn’t just about grab bars and extra lighting. It’s about preserving your autonomy, your routines, your Sunday crossword, and yes — your sacred TV remote.

🔧 How Occupational Therapy Fits In: Your Aging-in-Place Wingman

Now, listen. You don’t have to figure all this out alone. That’s where Occupational Therapy (OT) comes in.

Think of OTs like the home makeover team meets Jedi Master of daily living. We assess how you function in your space, figure out what’s in the way (looking at you, three-story staircase and ancient recliner), and help modify your home and routines to keep you living your best robe-wearing, coffee-sipping life.

OTs help you:

• Adapt your space to your needs
• Stay independent with daily activities
• Prevent injuries (and drama)
• Keep your routines sacred (because nobody messes with Bingo Night)

👵 Aging in Place: The Sequel You Actually Want

So yes, aging in place takes some planning — like a road trip, but instead of snacks and gas stations, you’re stocking up on grab bars, mobility tools, and a solid relationship with your local OT.

But the payoff? You get to wake up in your own bed, sip tea by your own window, and continue yelling at the TV during Jeopardy like a champion. All in the comfort of your home, where pants are optional and snacks are plentiful.

Stay home. Stay sharp. Stay you.

— C², Your OT and Lifelong Advocate for Home-Based Living

pnwhomeforlife@gmail.com

360-770-1752