In Die, two sisters share their home's transformation for aging well

Thanks to a municipal program and targeted renovations, 92-year-old Augusta and her sister Danielle can continue living together in their family home.

Generic image of a home bathroom adapted for aging in place, featuring a walk-in shower and support bars.
AI

Generic image of a home bathroom adapted for aging in place, featuring a walk-in shower and support bars.

In the municipality of Die, where over 40% of the population is retired, adapting homes is a major challenge. Two sisters, Augusta and Danielle, share how their family home was transformed to allow Augusta, 92, to continue living there safely.

The Town of Die and the Community of Communes, through the operator SOLIHA, are running the « Habitons mieux le centre-ville » (Let's live better in the town center) initiative to help residents age in their own homes. As part of this, Augusta, born in 1934, and her sister Danielle adapted their family home. Following a fall by Augusta, who fractured her femur, renovations were undertaken to secure the residence.
The main modification involved the bathroom: the bathtub was replaced with a level-access shower, installed by professional plumbers and tilers. A stairlift with handrails was also added. These adaptations have greatly eased Augusta's daily life, as she recalls: 'Before, I had to climb into the bathtub… This made it easier for me.'
The financing for these works was largely covered by the national scheme MaPrimeAdapt’, which covers up to 70% of the costs, up to a limit of €22,000. Danielle and Augusta readily share their experience with their neighbors, encouraging other households to take similar steps. Their sister-in-law is currently undergoing renovations.
Beyond the material adaptations, it is family mutual aid that allows Augusta to remain in the house where she was born. Danielle provides her with daily assistance for bathing and dressing, and accompanies her during walks, complementing physiotherapy sessions. This daily solidarity concretely illustrates the benefits of the « Habitons mieux le centre-ville » initiative in Die.
Based on information from the official source: Mairie de Die (14/10/2026)