For Christmas this year I headed south to visit my parents in their brand new humble abode that sits on the ninth fairway of a gorgeous golf course. Santa was extra good to me this holiday season, bringing sunshine, warm weather and a golf game two strokes under par – not to mention fewer family fights and a good excuse to escape extended relatives. But, as with anything else, the trip had its drawbacks.
Regretfully I decided to take my pup to a local kennel “resort” while I was on my brief golf course getaway. Though the establishment was clean, the clerk seemed friendly, and it would only be for a few days, the hurt in Luna’s face as I turned to leave had me seriously questioning my decision to spend Christmas in paradise.

Aside from my dog feeling abandoned and me feeling ashamed, my pocketbook actually took the brunt of the blow. I paid $50 per night for essentially a simple promise that she was being taken care of, but with no knowledge as to if that was actually the case. For all I knew she was cooped up in a kennel several sizes too small, munching on leaves and snow.

It is one of the worst feelings in the world to leave behind a loved one, whether you are dropping off a dog at a kennel, your kids at a daycare or a parent in a nursing home, because ultimately we feel that nobody can take as good of care of them as we can.

At least with a dog or child, you know that you will eventually be back to get them. Even if they are suffering, the worst they will endure is a few hours or days. But when dropping off a parent at a care facility, that is a permanent solution, and one that may seriously hinder the last years of their lives.

2011 marked the first year that the beloved Baby Boomer generation approached senior status, and with it only being the very beginning of 2014, we still have many more years to watch this largely populated generation grow older. It is well known that the Baby Boomers are hard working, independent, determined and will likely not want to consider the option of assisted living.

The expense of remodeling a home to meet the needs of being able to age in place can cost a fortune if not planned for ahead of time, and money is not in abundance when considering a person living off of their retirement funds. This is where two parties can come out ahead.

When purchasing or remodeling a rental property, consider what can be done to make the home suitable for a tenant who is aging. This way an individual who cannot afford to remodel their home, has an option for retaining their independence, and not be forced into an assisted living or retirement community. Those who still enjoy gardening, having family over for the holidays or letting their dog run around in the yard can have an alternative solution with your help.

Many of these home improvements can benefit not only aging Americans, but also all different types of demographics. Ramps in and out of a home, for example, are great for wheelchair access, but also benefit young parents using strollers. Curbless showers are a great retrofit for aging in place, but also keep kids from stubbing their toes or tripping when getting in and out of the shower. Widened doorways make it easier for wheelchairs and electric scooters to pass through, but also make spaces seem more open, which many families prefer nowadays.

The key it to keep the home from at all resembling a nursing home or hospital; it should still look chic and sophisticated, but be practical and livable for an aging demographic. The necessary changes can vary in price, but ultimately every addition will add value to the home. The fixes mentioned in the previous paragraph can come at a reasonable cost, in addition to things like grab rails and task lighting. But you will want to consider even the more expensive alterations; it could really pay off.

If there is already a bedroom on the first floor, that is always a plus, but if there is not, make one! Extra space lurking about the ground floor such as a large study or dining room can be easily transformed into a small bedroom. If extra space is unavailable, consider paying to add on a bottom floor boudoir. It is essential to install a working phone jack in the ground floor bedroom and make sure the closet is well lit.

In the kitchen you will want to install non-slip floors and lower cabinets. Cabinet doors and drawers should feature “D” shaped pulls and handles for ease of use. If the kitchen is located directly next to the garage, it is wise to install a revolving pantry that can face either the garage or the kitchen. This makes it simple to load groceries into your home, directly from the car – reducing the risk of carrying heavy loads or tripping.

<h3>As this beloved generation ages, we will want to do all that we can to keep them active, healthy and happy. </h3>Having a good, safe place to call home is an excellent step in the right direction. Making these simple home adjustments can make all the difference in the lives of so many of our loved ones. There is no way better way to start 2014 than investing in your properties and making them livable for all walks of life.