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Donna Shirey offers top ten “aging in place” remodel tips

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Real Estate Broker/Owner with AAA Properties - $500 Flat Fee Listings

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.

Comments (2)

Anonymous
Scott Stroud
Is there a faster-growing market in the U.S. than the aging market?  Just this month both my wifes parents have been in and out of the hospital - they're both in their mid-80's and have fought hard for their independence.  Now, their home of 50+ years won't work for them - they literally can't go home. And they're not alone.  These 10 pointers - along with other universal design 'basics' -  will be the core of how I help them shop for a new home, and any remodeling projects that I become involved with in the future.  Thanks, Donna.
Mar 04, 2008 02:52 AM
#1
Karen Barbour
Access Homes NC - Cary, NC
Cary, NC ePro

Yes It is a shame that more builders do not build with more universal design elements that work for all people. Homes would be more accessible , useful and freindlier for all. And one's investment could carry through the years.

Karen

Dec 28, 2008 01:40 AM