For many retired Baby Boomers, the search is on for homes, condos or apartments that best deliver safe and comfortable living spaces suited for preserving independence as they age. These homes will likely have a single level, have recently been remodeled and include the latest in accessibility design features. Unfortunately, a home like this doesn’t always turn up in a desirable neighborhood. So, alternatives to consider are properties that are somewhat distressed but show promise or retrofit a current residence. Both options may require significant home renovations which will need careful thought and planning for an ideal “aging in place” home. Here is some useful information should you be contemplating such a remodel.
Kitchens
Space
Your aging-in-place kitchen will benefit from all the space your home can support. Having adequate space to move around now and in the future will help keep daily life more manageable. You will want to think about how you navigate your kitchen and how much room there is when appliances or cabinets are open. For example, if you’ve been planning to incorporate an island into your kitchen, perhaps make it mobile. In the short term, adding wheels to an island will make entertaining easy and fun. And as you age, you will appreciate being able to move the island to help make room should mobility aids be necessary in the future.
Appliances
When choosing your appliances, again think about functional mobility. Pay attention to the weight of appliance doors. What it is like to open and close them? The biggest appliance decision you’ll make is a refrigerator. When shopping, open, close, and pretend to put groceries in it. Will you be able to bend down to access a freezer or be able to reach the high shelves in a side by side?
For cooking, wall ovens provide easy access. These units are raised a bit, so you won’t have any issues leaning over to retrieve your Thanksgiving turkey. A great stove top option is an induction unit. It will be easier, and safer to use, than a typical coil or gas range. Induction stoves are also more energy-efficient and cook food faster than gas or standard electric models.
Sinks
The sink area should also be a focus of consideration. People probably spend more time at the kitchen sink than any other place in the kitchen. It’s important to think about how deep your sink will sit. You don’t want it to be too far back, making it harder to reach. A sunken sink may be more easily accessible. And don’t forget the faucet. Installing a faucet with lever handles will make it easier to use.
Bathrooms
Aging-in-place bathroom design is essential in maintaining an accessible space in spite of any potential physical limitations. It’s also imperative for safety as there are so many wet hazards in a bathroom.
Aging-in-Place Shower & Tub Tips
Many accidents occur in the tub. It’s a good idea to address this spot first. Consider the following aging-in-place bathroom designs:
- Handrails are vital –and they don’t need to be boring. You can find elegant-looking handrails that will be functional and provide added safety for you today and into the future.
- Add a seat to the shower or tub. Consult with you contractor to build a seat where you can safely bathe without worrying about falls or unneeded fatigue. You may even find good use for the seat on those days when you’re sore from jogging or conquering the world.
- Consider eliminating your traditional tub. Most tubs are difficult to enter and exit, whereas showers and walk-in tubs are much more friendly as we age or for wheelchair accessibility.
- Build your shower stall with a tile floor that is a mosaic of smaller tiles so your feet will have more traction. This is always a smart idea, as it will help reduce the risk of a slip and fall.
- When selecting your shower fixtures, think simple. A single handle water valve will be easy to manage, and you will also want to opt for a showerhead that features a hand-held attachment. This will help make your showers easier and more thorough than constantly moving around to catch an overhead static stream.
Additional Aging-in-Place General Bathroom Tips
More than just the shower or tub, there are several other areas of the bathroom that can be improved as well. Other ideas include:
- Widen the bathroom door. This will make it much easier to enter and exit without bumping into the door frame, and will also allow wheelchairs to enter or exit with ease.
- Install two different sink heights. Especially for wheelchair users or young children – a lower sink height will be much more functional and safer.
- Choose cabinets with glass doors. This will make it easy to find whatever you need without having to open every cabinet.
- Install plenty of lighting in both the bathroom and in the hallway leading to the bathroom. Multiple sources of light will reduce the individual intensity needed per light, which is much easier on the eyes. Hallway lighting will also make nighttime trips to the restroom safer.
- Install non-stick flooring solutions. Textured vinyl and tile are excellent and attractive options. Reflooring your bathroom will also present the opportunity to install heating, which will also make your bathroom much more comfortable.
If your current home is the one you want to grow old in or you’re unable to find a move-in ready home that is ideally suited for retirement life, a remodel may be the best choice for you. Our capable and trusted team can guide you through the challenges and choices to achieve the goal of a safe and comfortable aging-in-place home that will allow you to live independently for as long as possible. Call us today or get in touch with us online.
