Are you interested in staying in your home as you age? The purpose of aging-in-place home remodeling is to make modifications that allow seniors to live as independently as possible and maintain their quality of life in their own homes. This includes minimizing the risk of falling, improving safety for the vision and hearing impaired, creating a wheelchair and walker friendly living environment, and making necessary home tasks easier. Here is your guide to aging in place trends from Dimension Design-Build-Remodel, Inc.
Dimension’s president and CEO, David Kallie, is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) through the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). He’s trained to understand the unique needs of seniors, and is knowledgeable about home modifications and solutions for aging in place.
Some universal design recommendations require major remodeling, such as increasing the width of doorways and hallways to accommodate a wheelchair. “Dimension can evaluate the overall floor plan to allow for 5-ft. x 5-ft. turning spaces and no steps between rooms on the same level,” David said. “We also recommend planning for a master bedroom on the main level.”
Some projects are more moderate in size, like replacing carpeting that is a trip hazard. “There are also bathroom modifications like installing a taller toilet that is easier to flush, replacing faucets with accessible levers, and installing a walk-in tub or curbless shower,” he said. “The outdoors should also be considered, with the installation of ramps, railings, and safety lights.”
There are also some simpler projects that homeowners can consider, including…
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- Install sturdy handrails on both sides of stairs.
- Replace doorknobs with lever handles.
- Install grab bars and nonslip mats in bathrooms.
- Apply nonslip treads to outdoor and indoor steps.
- Place small appliances on counters where they can be reached easily.
- Remove rugs, which are a tripping hazard.
- Install automatic lights, and replace standard light switches with toggles.
- Make heavy pots and other kitchen items easier to access with slide-out shelving and properly mounted wall hooks.
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Additional Aging in Place Trends That May Surprise You
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- Replace a traditional cook top with an induction cook top to prevent burns.
- Elevate everything from bathroom vanities to dishwashers to make things easier to reach and reduce bending over.
- Raise electrical outlets.
- Add lights to closets.
- Install an elevator in the home.
- Use voice-controlled smart home devices to manage temperature, lighting, doorbells, and medication reminders.
- Update the home’s exterior with low-maintenance siding and landscaping.
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“During the preliminary design phase of your home project, we’ll thoughtfully explore aging-in-place trends and solutions you may need in the years ahead, and compare them with your budget,” David said. “You can count on Dimension Design-Build-Remodel, Inc. to help you make the best choices for safely aging in your home.”
To arrange an appointment, call 262-402-6602 or complete our contact form to get started.