Aging-in-Place Remodeling
Creating an Accessible & Safe Home For You To Grow Old In
As you age, your home may feel more like an obstacle course rather than a place of comfort. Senior citizens aren’t able to move as quickly as they used to, and as a result, their homes should match their current capabilities and comfort levels. We can help you with the ideal aging-in-place home design that is optimized for safety, accessibility, and overall health.
Whether the aging in place remodel is for you or an elderly loved one, Ngrained LLC will recommend modifications that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Our primary goal with home remodels for the elderly is to create a safe and accessible home for you to grow old in for many years to come. The layout of your home should flow and make it easy for anyone to get around.
Whole House Evaluation
We understand that every home is unique and we look forward to partnering with you to transform your home into a comfortable space that meets your current needs and desires. Not only will we carefully listen to your requests, but we will also provide helpful recommendations and advice for making small or large changes throughout your entire home. Some of the most popular aging in place home modifications include the following:
Replace door knobs with levers
Trade traditional faucets for models with blade handles or motion controls
Eliminate stairs and level changes wherever possible; install stair lifts and ramps when eliminating stairs is not an option
Lower vanity sinks and eliminate the cabinet underneath, opting instead for a slim vanity shelf.
Install anti-scalding temperature controls in showers.
Lower wall switches and raise receptacles throughout the home so that that they are easier to reach; install illuminated versions where appropriate for safely and convenience.
Install appliances with more accessibility and safety features like wall ovens with doors that open to the side rather than fold down to the front.
Lower the cook top so that burners are easily accessible by a short person or from a wheelchair.
Install more below counter drawers, eliminate upper cabinets. Install pull-out shelves and corner lazy-Susans.
The Kitchen
The kitchen design for an aging in place home remodel should include a few necessities. For instance, a pull-out pantry eliminates the need to move things around to see everything on the shelves. Including rounded edges on counters means no one hits a hip or elbow on sharp counters, which can seriously injure a senior citizen. Widened doors will also make it easy for those with walkers or wheelchairs to maneuver in and out of rooms. Positioning the sink close to the stove means less distance for moving heavy pots from the stove to the sink. Including a workstation between the two areas is a good idea. Microwaves installed at or below counter height are easier for eliminating reaching and bending.
The Bathroom
As for a bathroom optimized for seniors, it should be located on the first floor. Removable shower heads are often easier to wash with, and rain heads are another option you may like. A curbless shower (or walk-in shower) could be a better option than a walk-in tub, which takes time to fill up and drain and can still include a low step to navigate. Be sure your bathroom design includes a toilet that’s easier for citizens to sit down on and get up from. The addition of a bidet or a bidet accessory can make it easier for older individuals to keep themselves clean. Such accessories and additions also allow the elderly to maintain their dignity.
No-Step Entry
Nowadays, most homes have built-in steps to get in through the front and back doors. While this may not seem problematic, it actually increases the risk for accidents. No-step entrances are the perfect solution because they are completely even, don’t require any steps to get in and out of your home, and best of all, prevent trips and falls.