Here are our top aging-in-place remodeling suggestions for older adults.
Aging-in-place is a rising trend. Most older adults now prefer to live at home as long as possible instead of moving to a traditional care or assisted living community. However, as people age, physical challenges may require changes to the house.
A partial or complete home remodel may be necessary to achieve a safe, accessible home suitable for others choosing to age in place. Many homeowners face the challenge of making their homes safe and accessible as they or their family members age. Lack of guidance and understanding could lead to expensive and dangerous mistakes.
Whether you renovate for yourself or a family member, remodeling a home for aging in place can be smart. Here are our top aging-in-place remodeling suggestions for older adults.
Identify Potential Hazards
Start by evaluating the layout and design of your home. Are there any tripping hazards, such as loose rugs or uneven flooring? Are there obstacles that hinder movement or can lead to accidents, such as furniture with sharp edges? It is also essential to check for sufficient lighting throughout the house, especially in hallways, stairs, and bathrooms.
Essential Aging-in-Place Features
Accessibility and Mobility Considerations
One key consideration is ensuring the home is wheelchair accessible. Installing ramps, widening doorways, and removing thresholds can make navigating the house easier for seniors with mobility challenges. Additionally, lever-style door handles and touchless faucets are more user-friendly for those with limited dexterity.
Lighting and Visibility Concerns
Good lighting is essential for seniors, as it reduces the risk of falls and enhances visibility. Install bright, energy-efficient LED lights and consider motion-activated lighting in key areas, such as hallways and staircases. Adding extra windows or skylights can also increase natural light, making the home feel brighter and more inviting.
Bathroom and Kitchen Modifications
Accidents are more likely to occur in the bathroom and kitchen, making them critical spaces to address when modifying your home for senior family members. Installing grab bars in the bathroom can improve stability and prevent falls, while walk-in showers with benches and handheld showerheads offer convenience and accessibility. Consider lowering countertops and installing pull-out shelves in the kitchen to minimize bending and reaching.
Replace Faucets and Fixtures
An often overlooked part of aging is the inability to engage in regular, everyday activities that require hand strength, like turning on a faucet. Touch technology, easy-grip handles, and lower sink fixtures can make these tasks easier for those with arthritis or other conditions.
Utilize Smart Technology
Smart home technologies can be particularly beneficial for aging in place. Voice-activated assistants, such as Amazon Echo or Google Home, allow seniors to control various aspects of their home, including lighting, temperature, and entertainment, through voice commands. Smart thermostats and doorbell cameras with remote access also provide convenience and peace of mind.
Contact Accessible Home Builders Today
Here at Accessible Home Builders, we’re proud to say we’ve been building and remodeling homes since 1994. We’ve serviced Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, Selbyville, Millsboro, Georgetown, Laurel, and more communities within Delaware in that time. We work to guarantee a high level of professionalism, dedication, and the use of quality materials to ensure our customers have the homes they deserve.
To get in touch with us, give us a call at our office at 302-663-0464, send us an email at info@accessiblehomebuilders.com or visit us in person at 28412 DuPont Blvd, #103 Millsboro, DE 19966. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, and YouTube to stay updated on what we’re up to next!