Planning Your Forever Home: Aging in Place

​As Washington state employees approach retirement, one of the most crucial decisions you'll face is where to live during your retirement years. While your DRS pension and DCP savings provide a strong financial foundation, careful planning for your housing needs can help ensure you maintain independence and quality of life throughout retirement. With the average cost of assisted living in Washington state continuing to rise sharply, investing in home modifications that allow you to age in place can protect your retirement savings while keeping you in the comfort of familiar surroundings.
Understanding Your Financial Advantage as a State Employee
Washington state employees have unique advantages when planning for retirement housing needs. Your defined benefit pension through DRS provides guaranteed lifetime income that increases with regular cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs). This stable income stream, combined with your DCP savings and PEBB retiree healthcare benefits, creates a strong foundation for funding home modifications while maintaining your desired lifestyle [1].
Unlike many private sector employees who must rely solely on 401(k) savings, your guaranteed pension income can provide the financial security needed to make long-term housing decisions with confidence. Additionally, your PEBB retiree benefits may help cover certain medical equipment needs that complement your home modifications.
Planning for the Pacific Northwest Lifestyle
Creating Safe Exterior Access
The Pacific Northwest's unique climate and terrain present specific challenges when modifying your home. Washington has a diverse climate and terrain and depending on where you are in the State, your needs may be different. Our region's rain, occasional snow, and hilly terrain require thoughtful planning for exterior accessibility. Consider these key modifications:

• Replace steep driveways or walkways with gentler grades that remain manageable in wet conditions
• Install covered entryways and walkways to protect against rain and reduce slip hazards
• Add motion-sensor lighting systems that activate earlier during dark winter months
• Convert steps to ramps where needed, ensuring proper drainage and non-slip surfaces
• Install handrails that can withstand our climate while providing reliable support [2]

Interior Safety Enhancements
Your home's interior should adapt to changing needs while maintaining comfort and functionality:

• Install grab bars in bathrooms and other key areas using proper mounting techniques
• Replace traditional doorknobs with lever handles for easier operation
• Add handrails on both sides of stairs, properly anchored for maximum stability
• Ensure adequate lighting throughout the home, with particular attention to dark winter days
• Create wider doorways and hallways to accommodate potential mobility needs
• Remove threshold barriers between rooms while maintaining proper weatherization [3]

Maximizing Your Washington State Benefits
Strategic Use of Your Benefits Package
Your position as a public employee provides several unique advantages when planning for home modifications:

• DCP funds can be withdrawn penalty-free (still subject to income tax, if pre-tax contributions were made) after separation from service, providing flexible funding for modifications
• PEBB retiree benefits may cover medical equipment needs that complement your home modifications
• The Washington State Housing Finance Commission offers special programs for seniors
• Certain home modifications may qualify for tax advantages when properly documented
• Some modifications may be partially covered through Medicare Advantage plans available to PEBB retirees [4]

Implementation Timeline Strategies
Consider implementing modifications in phases to align with your retirement timeline and benefit availability:
Phase 1 (Pre-retirement):

• Complete a comprehensive home assessment
• Address major structural modifications while still employed
• Install basic safety features and lighting improvements
• Begin gathering quotes and planning for future phases

Phase 2 (Early Retirement):

• Integrate smart home technology systems
• Complete additional accessibility modifications
• Install comfort-focused improvements
• Evaluate and adjust based on actual needs

Phase 3 (Ongoing):

• Add adaptive equipment as needed
• Enhance existing safety features
• Make specialized modifications based on changing requirements
• Regular reassessment of needs and effectiveness

Smart Technology for Independence
Modern home technology can significantly enhance safety and convenience while aging in place:

• Voice-controlled systems for lighting, temperature, and security
• Video doorbells and security cameras with mobile monitoring
• Medical alert systems with fall detection and GPS tracking
• Automated medication reminders and dispensers
• Smart appliances with safety features and remote monitoring
• Motion-activated guidance lighting for nighttime navigation [5]

Essential Room Modifications
Bathroom Safety Priorities
Bathrooms present the highest fall risk in homes. Consider these essential modifications:

• Install curbless, walk-in showers with built-in seating
• Add comfort-height toilets with adequate space for transfers
• Install non-slip flooring throughout the bathroom
• Ensure adequate turning radius for potential mobility devices
• Add storage within easy reach
• Install proper ventilation to prevent moisture-related hazards
• Consider future needs for caregiver assistance [6]

Kitchen Adaptability
Create a kitchen that remains functional as mobility and strength changes occur:

• Install pull-down shelving in upper cabinets
• Add under-cabinet lighting for better task visibility
• Position appliances at accessible heights
• Create counters with varying heights for different needs
• Install easy-grip cabinet hardware
• Add pull-out shelves in base cabinets
• Ensure good general lighting and task lighting
• Consider future needs for seated food preparation [7]

Bedroom Considerations
Create a safe and comfortable sleeping environment:

• Consider relocating the primary bedroom to the main floor
• Ensure adequate clearance around the bed
• Install proper lighting controls within reach of the bed
• Create clear pathways to the bathroom
• Add adequate electrical outlets for medical equipment
• Plan for potential caregiver accommodation needs [8]

Taking Action: Next Steps for Washington State Employees

1. Schedule a retirement planning appointment with DRS to understand your full benefit picture and timing options
2. Review your DCP account and consider whether to increase contributions to build additional savings for home modifications
3. Consult with a certified aging-in-place specialist (CAPS) or an Occupational Therapist (OT) for a comprehensive home assessment
4. Create a phased modification plan aligned with your retirement timeline and benefit availability
5. Investigate potential tax advantages and assistance programs for medical-related home modifications
6. Consider consulting with a financial advisor familiar with DRS benefits to integrate home modification costs into your retirement plan

Resources and Support

• DRS Retirement Planning: www.drs.wa.gov/retirement-planning
• PEBB Retiree Benefits: www.hca.wa.gov/pebb-retirees
• Washington State Housing Finance Commission: www.wshfc.org/senior
• Aging and Long-Term Support Administration: www.dshs.wa.gov/altsa
• Washington State Home Modification Resources: www.dshs.wa.gov/altsa/home-modifications
• Department of Veterans Affairs (for eligible veterans): www.va.gov/housing-assistance/disability-housing-grants

Remember, as a Washington state employee, you have access to valuable resources and benefits that can help make aging in place a reality. Your defined benefit pension provides a stable foundation for long-term planning, while your additional benefits offer flexibility in implementing necessary modifications. Start planning early and take advantage of your unique position to create a comfortable, safe home environment for your retirement years.
Sources
[1] PEBB Retiree Benefits Guide, 2024
[2] National Association of Home Builders Aging-in-Place Remodeling Report
[3] AARP Home Modification Guidelines
[4] Washington State Housing Finance Commission Senior Programs Guide
[5] Smart Home Technology for Aging in Place Study, 2024
[6] CDC Home Safety for Older Adults Report
[7] Universal Design Living Laboratory Research Study
[8] National Institute on Aging Housing Report, 2024
 

-Seth Deal