For seniors, aging in place means living where they feel most at home for as long as they can. Sometimes that place is their longtime residence, but it could also be the home of a close family member. If you’re caring for elderly parents or loved ones, this article will help you identify home remodeling projects to help them stay safe at home.
Integrating universal design principles into your remodeling project increases safety and convenience for people of all ages, sizes, and abilities. In addition, accessibility upgrades increase your home’s value—and the pool of potential buyers when it’s time to sell.
Essential Elements
Flooring
As they age, seniors may become more prone to falls, and choosing the right flooring can help prevent accidents. Slip-resistant and easy-to-clean options include hardwood, vinyl, and non-glazed tile floors. Any carpeting should be low pile, which is easier for maneuvering a wheelchair or walker.
Lighting
Dimly lit areas can be a challenge for aging eyes. Adding more lighting fixtures can help improve visibility in areas like hallways, entryways, and stairways. And lighting with motion sensors can help everyone navigate your home safely at night.
Doorways
Doorways are often overlooked during home remodeling, especially if all residents enjoy full mobility. But even able-bodied people can suddenly become dependent on a wheelchair or walker at any stage of life. A professional contractor can help you widen doorways and install offset hinges. Offset hinges widen an existing doorway—sometimes up to two inches—by shifting the door outside the clearing when opened.
Stairs
Stairways can be particularly hazardous for older adults, with steep inclines, narrow treads, and hard edges. But with the help of a professional contractor, you can make your stairway safer and more stable. They can install features like handrails, non-slip treads, and stairlifts to make navigating your home easier. You can also choose lighting and flooring that increase visibility.
Sinks and Bathtubs
Sinks and bathtubs can be challenging for older adults to use, but there are ways to make them more accessible and comfortable.
Faucets
If flexibility and fine motor movements are a challenge, installing motion-activated, infrared faucets throughout the home can help. The higher upfront cost of infrared faucets can be offset by the lack of movable parts to replace over time.
Mobility
A professional contractor can help you install grab bars, non-slip mats, and handheld showerheads to make bathing easier and safer. You can also choose to install a walk-in bathtub or shower for added safety and comfort.
Countertops and Shelving
The standard installation height of countertops and shelving may not be suitable for older adults. Back pain or mobility issues can make reaching high surfaces difficult. With countertops and shelving at comfortable levels, users can enjoy fundamental activities like meal preparation and access to their belongings.
Closets and Storage
Storage can be a challenge for the elderly, especially with treasured belongings gathered throughout the course of a lifetime. Space-saving custom closet systems and shelving can keep your home organized, uncluttered, and easier for everyone to navigate.
Switches and Outlets
Traditional wall switches can be difficult to use if you have arthritis or limited hand mobility. Rocker switches require less precise movement to activate, which can be invaluable.
For even greater ease, a contractor can also install smart home technology that allows for voice or smartphone app control of your lights and appliances.
Standard electrical outlets are built close to the floor, which can be difficult to reach for people with limited flexibility. With professional help, relocating your outlets higher on the wall is quick and easy.
Wall and Floor Colors
The colors of your walls and floors can have a significant impact on your mood and safety. Like higher-contrast color settings on computer monitors, contrasting colors in the bathroom can help the visually impaired navigate safely. For example, having a darker shower floor and lighter walls helps with depth perception and movement.
Accessible Technology
Technology can help older adults live more independently and comfortably in their homes. A professional contractor can help you install accessible technology, such as smart thermostats, video doorbells, and voice-activated assistants. These technologies can help you control your environment, communicate with loved ones, and access entertainment and information.
Room-by-Room
The Entryway
Your home’s entryway is the first thing you and your guests encounter when you arrive, so it’s important that this area be safe and accessible. A professional contractor can help you install grab bars, non-slip flooring, and a wheelchair ramp to make navigation easier. They can also help you choose the right lighting and color scheme to enhance visibility.
The Bathroom
The slick surfaces, hard edges, and tight spaces common in bathrooms can be particularly hazardous for older adults. But with the help of a professional contractor, you can make your bathroom more comfortable and safer to use.
Consider features like a walk-in shower, a raised toilet seat, and grab bars in strategic locations. We can also help you choose slip-resistant flooring and waterproof materials that are easy to clean and maintain.
Floating Vanity
Using a standard vanity with storage cabinets is a challenge for wheelchair users. They must lean forward across their laps—or sideways over the armrest—to reach the sink and faucet.
Instead, consider a floating vanity mounted on the wall (with a 27” clearance beneath for knees). A wheelchair user can roll the chair beneath the vanity and maintain better posture while using the sink.
The Kitchen
Aging doesn’t mean giving up cooking and entertaining guests. Our experienced professionals at LaBonte Construction can help you install features like adjustable countertops, pull-out shelves, and easy-to-reach appliances. We can also help you choose the right lighting and flooring for style and safety.
The Living Room
Your living room is a place to relax, watch TV, and spend time with friends and family. We can help you choose furniture that’s comfortable and supportive for everyone, as well as lighting and flooring that are easy to navigate.
We can also install features like remote-controlled window treatments and entertainment systems to make your living room more enjoyable and accessible.
The Bedroom
A good night’s sleep is crucial for health and well-being, so the bedroom must be safe, comfortable, and relaxing. Your loved one deserves a bed that’s both comfortable and easy to get into and out of. Lighting and flooring must make navigation easy. Your home remodeling contractor can install closet organizers and remote-controlled window treatments to enhance enjoyment and functionality.
The Laundry Room
In the laundry room, front-loading washers and dryers, adjustable shelves, and folding counters can reduce demands on aging bodies. The right flooring and lighting can also make your laundry room a safer and more comfortable space.
The Home Office
Whether your home office is a workplace or a quiet space to read and relax, it can benefit from some upgrades. An adjustable desk, ergonomic chair, task lighting, and flooring and storage solutions will make the room more comfortable and functional.
Create the Best Home for Senior Living
Remodeling your home for aging in place can be a big project, but with the help of a professional contractor, it can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. By considering these remodeling projects, you can create a home that is safe, comfortable, and accessible for years to come. So why not start planning your next remodeling project today? Your future self will thank you.
As mentioned previously, you don’t have to be in a wheelchair or otherwise physically challenged to enjoy the benefits of universal design. Remember, accidents and unexpected injuries can present immediate mobility limitations to any person, at any time, at any age. Even if you’re only temporarily injured—reliant on crutches or a cane—universal design can be a lifesaver.
When you’re ready to begin your home remodeling project, contact us at LaBonte Construction—voted Best of Milwaukee 2022 by Shepherd Express readers in Home Remodeling, Bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen Remodeling, and Basement/Rec Room Remodeling. We were also a finalist in the Home Builder category.