AGING IN PLACE RENOVATIONS

Aging-in-place describes a person living in the residence of their choice. This concept allows you to stay in your home while remaining safe and comfortable as your needs change. Accounting for considerations in limitations you may have in the future, as well as any possible or potential aid or assistance you may require is a primary objective in an aging-in-place renovation. Creating a safe, effective, universal design does not have to come at the expense of style and aesthetics. 

Universal Design is the design of products and environments that can be used by people of all abilities. Applications and renovations should be created without the need for adaptations or overly specialized design, when possible. There are seven principles of Universal Design: equitable use, flexible use, simple and intuitive use, perceptible information, tolerance for error, low physical effort, and size and space for approach and use. Universal design concepts are beneficial for aging-in-place initiatives as they create safe and comfortable spaces for everyone.

There are many things that you take for granted in a typical home. A lot of these structural and functional elements have always been the way that they are, but as you get older, they need to be reimagined for safety and comfort. Here are some common concepts to keep in mind as you transition your home for aging-in-place.

• Limit the amount of steps: Increasing the ease of access into, out of, and within your home should be a top priority. No-threshold doors are also a good idea.

• Improve convenience: Items like pull-out shelves, lower countertops, wider doorways, and more all make getting around and accessing items easier.

• Smart appliances: Appliances today are filled with state-of-the-art technology. This means that different appliances can be programmed, monitored, and used in a variety of different ways. These items, combined with overall home automation, can enhance safety, and make your home more efficient.

• Enhanced lighting: It gets harder to see as we get older, especially in the dark. Updating and upgrading the lighting throughout your home can minimize the risk of falling. LED lights, programmable schedules, layered lighting, and illuminating potentially dangerous areas like stairs and corners can all improve the safety of your home.

Your kitchen is likely one of the most, if not the most space in your home. So how can you renovate to make sure that you’ll always be able to enjoy it? Many renovations can be made in the kitchen that enhance safety, comfort, and aesthetics. Maintaining accessibility to the items you need, while making sure you can safely find, reach, and use each element of the kitchen is essential. 

• Pull-out pantry and shelves: Pull-out pantries and shelving make organizing and access easier. Conveniently placed and sized drawers make it easier to find things and reduces stress on your knees and back. 

• Shallow sink: A shallow sink (6 to 8 inches) makes it easier to rinse fruit, vegetables, and dishes.

• Rounded edges: Opting for rounded edges on cabinets and countertops make it easier to get around your kitchen.

• Create extra clearance: The standard amount of clearance between walls, cabinets, and appliances is 36 inches. This allows for ample room to maneuver through the kitchen and still access doors and drawers. However, additional space is necessary as you get older to account any assistance you may need with your mobility.

• Slip-resistant floors: The floor type you choose for your kitchen is essential. Select a material that won’t be slick when it gets wet. There should be enough grout for your feet to grip.

• Drawers, not doors: Storing pots and pans and other kitchen items in drawers make them easier to see and organize. This is especially true as we get older when reaching or seeing to the back of a cabinet can be a challenge.

Your bathroom is another place where you will continue to spend a lot of time, and one that can be dangerous as you age. Several aging-in-place concepts can make your bathroom safer and more comfortable.

• Walk-in bathtubs: One way to mitigate this risk is with a walk-in tub. The slippery floors and high threshold to access are a dangerous combination as we age; walk-in tubs can remove this hazard. 

• Free standing tub: Another convenient option for your bathtub is a freestanding tub.  The edge of this type of tub can be used as a grab bar, and there is less tub to negotiate as you get in and out.

• Curbless showers: Eliminating the barrier in the shower is just as beneficial as removing it in your tub. With simple access into, and out of the shower, the risk of slipping and falling can be significantly reduced. Also, shower seats are a great way to stay safe and comfortable in the shower.

• Countertops: Countertop heights can also be adjusted to make sink and storage access easier.

• Updated cabinetry: Storage and organization can be drastically improved with new cabinets, drawers, and shelving.

When designing and renovating your home for aging-in-place, you need to trust the process to a Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS Certified Remodeler). Selecting an experienced contractor and design team to make the necessary updates and upgrades to your home, with your best interest in mind is crucial. This is why selecting a CAPS certified remodeler is so important. This experience, expertise, and designation proves that this team knows what to consider, recommend, and how to advise on the renovation process to meet every need.

If you prefer to take a bath, one of your priorities may be a tub upgrade.  Whether you are looking for something larger or something more aesthetically pleasing, there are many options.  Freestanding and clawfoot tubs provide a striking display.  Alcove, drop-in, and corner tubs can also be a great use of your space.  Depending on your age and health, a walk-in tub may be a good option, especially if you are planning to age-in-place in your home.  A bathtub update can offer a lot in terms of aesthetics, comfort, and safety.

Many benefits come with aging-in-place in your own home. Often, even after a renovation, it can be cheaper than a nursing home or assisted living center. It also allows you to continue in the space where you’ve built or are living your life. Aging-in-place will enable you to not only make your home a safe and comfortable place that can adapt to any situation, but it also allows you to update and upgrade your home through renovation to match your style and taste, as well as leveraging contemporary technology and aesthetics.