As 76 million baby boomers enter retirement, “aging in place” is the fastest growing segment of the remodeling industry. This is partially fueled by the $11 trillion in home equity that Americans have accumulated. Despite the resort-style offerings of many senior communities, most people want to stay in their own home as long as possible. Aging in place remodeling can make that safer and more comfortable, and provides an alternative to a retirement community.
Donna Shirey, CGR, CAPS, president of Issaquah, Washington-based Shirey Contracting, is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (a designation from the National Association of Home Builders). She has compiled a list of the best and most important aging in place remodel tips.
Install task lighting
Pinpoint lighting helps people maintain their favorite hobbies and activities as they age. That’s important because giving up the things you love accelerates aging. For example, if knitting is difficult because of failing eyesight, task lighting provides a powerful and direct light on the yarn and needles.
Use light colors when decorating
As people age their vision tends to diminish. Lighter colors are easier to see. Even better, contrasting light colors help make up for depth perception problems.
Widen doorways
Wheelchairs are a fact of life for many older people, who may use them all of the time or just occasionally. Conventional doorways usually aren’t wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair so widening the doorways is often a necessity.
Use hard surfaces for flooring
Older adults in wheelchairs may be less strong than they used to be and carpeting can become an obstacle. Smooth, hard floors are easier to navigate. And along with hard surfaces, changes in floor heights should be eliminated.
Install hand-held showerheads and grab bars
For seniors, being able to take care of their bathroom needs is an important part of independence and self esteem. Hand-held showerheads and grab bars are some of the least expensive changes you can make and are a great help to those with balance problems or those who are not as flexible as they once were.
Use lever handles on doors and plumbing fixtures
A decrease in hand strength is a common problem of aging. The use of a simple lever eliminates the struggle with operating doorknobs and faucets.
Use “comfort height” toilets
Many older adults suffer from osteoporosis or arthritis and find it hard to stand up from a normal height toilet. A higher toilet or a toilet chair that fits over the existing toilet helps to eliminate this discomfort.
Kitchen appliances need to be adjusted
Especially for people with osteoporosis, it is safer to minimize bending and stretching to reach either lower appliances like the dishwasher or higher appliances like the microwave. Countertops and sinks can also be adjusted.
The main floor should accommodate the most basic needs
If you can’t do your laundry, it’s hard to maintain your regular lifestyle. And if you can’t sleep in your own bed, it’s hard to get adequate rest. When stairs become an obstacle, you need to replumb a main floor space for the washer and dryer and make sure the bedroom is also easily accessible.
Multi-level homes can also be made accessible to older adults
Elevators and stair lifts are becoming more common in two and three story homes. Seniors who are not ready to downsize can still access their entire home with an elevator or lift.
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