The Ultimate Guide to Age in Place Renovations

Moving into an assisted living facility may sound like a good idea at some point in your life, but you may prefer to spend as many of your golden years in the same home where you raised your family. There is nothing wrong with doing this, especially if you have taken the necessary steps to ensure your safety. After all, you may not move as well as the years go on.

An age in place remodeling specialist can assist you with planning any necessary renovations that you may need to make your home more accommodating for your future. The age in place contractor that you choose can help you devise a plan to help you incorporate all the aging in place options that you may or may not need.

You may think that it is useless to do any age in place renovations now, before you need them, however, that is not the case. These renovations should always be completed prior to them being needed, because if they are not, you will find yourself staying in a hospital or rehabilitation center longer until they are finished. It is difficult to handle age in place construction on a home when cannot oversee the work!

There are plenty of things that you can do for your age in place renovations, but here are a few of the most common ones:

A wheelchair ramp or other way to incorporate a flat entry point to your home may end up being necessary if you ever need to be in a wheelchair.
The doors inside your home may need to be widened so you can fit through them with a wheelchair or walker.
If widening your doorways will not work, your age in place remodeling specialist may recommend removing your doors and installing pocket doors instead.
A walk-in tub will eliminate the need to step over the side of the tub to get inside, but you will still need to climb over a small step and maneuver through the small doorway.
Most people prefer to forgo the above mentioned walk-in tub and install a built-in seat within their shower. Placing an adjustable grab bar next to the seat will allow you to sit and get up easily and give you something to hold onto if you decide to stand as you are showering.
Your age in place contractor may always recommend that you install grab bars near your toilets.
Countertops can be lowered, or you can vary the height of some of them, so that you are able to use at least one of them if you ever need to use a wheelchair for any length of time.
Carpeting, faucets, and door handles are all other items that you may need to change during this process.

You shouldn’t think that you will never need any age in place renovations because you never know what the future may bring. A little pre-planning with an age in place remodeling specialist can save you a ton of time in the future, especially if you are waiting not so patiently from a hospital bed to go home.

Learn more about licensed and insured general contractor Glen Miller the Home Doctor and the variety of home improvement services he offers clients including: home maintenance plans, handyman services, kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, handicap ramp installations, age in place modifications, basements transformations, and hardwood flooring installation and refinishing at www.glenmillerthehomedoctor.com. To contact Glen Miller the Home Doctor call 734.255.9793 for a free estimate.

5 Age in Place Renovations Improve Your Homes Accessibility

When we are young and are looking for that first home we rarely even stop and wonder if this house would be a good place to live when we get older. This is due in large part because it will rarely be your first and only home in your lifetime. However, there will come a time that age will finally catch up with us and usually, that also includes a number of health challenges.

Unfortunately, not many traditional home interior and exterior designs are set up to handle some of the physical limitations that often come with aging. Many people end up being forced out of their home when they discover that they could no longer live independently inside their current home. This is really unfortunate since the news is filled with horror stories about the life of nursing homes and assisted living centers.

This article was designed to introduce you to some common things that can be done to the existing home that could very well eliminate the need for you or a loved one to be forced to go to an assisted living center. The concept of “age in place remodeling” may seem like a relatively new concept, but I can assure you that there is absolutely nothing new about it.

If you are looking to get some work done like this, be sure that you look for and find a good, local age in place remodeling contractor.

5 Age in Place Renovations Improve Your Homes Accessibility

Put in grab bars in the bathroom

Slip and falls are the number one cause of injuries to seniors and many of them occur frequently in the bathroom. By installing several of the sturdy grab bars in the shower, tub and around the toilet will help considerably to cut down on the worry and even the actual slip and fall accidents.

Put in a seat in a standup shower

Being able to stand for long periods of time can be extremely challenging for many seniors and then you add in the dangers of slip and falls in the stand-up shower. By adding a convenient bench seat so that you can sit down and still enjoy the benefits of taking a shower, without the fear or danger of falling without being able to get back up on your feet.

Replace all doorknobs with lever handles

Most doors in homes today feature traditional door knobs for opening them. Unfortunately, as we get older this can become a challenge for diseases like arthritis and others that affect the muscles can make it very difficult to turn a doorknob to be able to get the door open. By replacing all the knobs with lever style handles you will be able to open doors a whole lot easier.

Install auto sensing lights at all entry points

Entering a dark room presents a lot of dangers to senior with so many things that can be tripped over, fallen on because they just could not see it. Unfortunately, light switches cannot easily be gotten to by those who have difficulty reaching or bending. Auto-sensing lighting means that as soon as you get close enough to the opening of the door the light turns itself on.

Converting the lower level into a single level living area

For many getting old means not being able to as easily climb the stairs to get to the bedroom. Instead of risking the accidental falling down the stairs, consider remodeling the lower level to be able to have every living space on the first floor. No more worries about having to climb all of those steps just to get to the bedroom and bathroom.

Changes To Keep In Mind For Age In Place Remodels

I have met with a significant number of homeowners that are concerned about making their homes accessible for their ever-changing needs as they age. As a specialist in age in place remodeling it has become my mission to create spaces, when remodeling, that ensure clients changing needs will be met through the renovation process. Aging comes with enough complications; the last thing that homeowners need is added complications surrounding their home.

Ranch vs Two Story

We don’t ever think about growing old when we purchase our first homes but often are first homes become are only home. With that being said it is important to note that not every homeowner thinks about the hitches that come with owning a two-story home as you get older. Many older homeowners have decided they want to stay in their two-story home, so it is my job to make it safe for them to access the second floor. Obviously, an elevator can be installed however this can be quite cost prohibitive, upwards of $30,000 to $65,000, along with ongoing maintenance. Another option is the installation of a stair lift, which allows the user to go up and down the stairs using an automatic chair. This is a much more cost-effective option, ranging between $2,500 to $5,500.

Entrance

Depending on the type of entry way that currently exists the installation of a special ramp that allows access into the home via wheelchair or with walker assistance. Handicap ramps can be designed to match the homes exterior or able to be removed and transported. The actual door entrance as well should be evaluated. A no-step entry way is as important as an entrance without stairs to individuals using devices to assist in maneuvering around.

Wide-Pocket Doors

Wider doors accommodate for the ease of movement using walkers, canes, and wheelchairs. Another element that is helpful is to switch out commonly used doors throughout the home with pocket doors, when able. Pocket doors do not need to swing in or out which allows for accessibility to two users if an individual were to need assistance or if mobility assistance devices were used.

Bathroom Modifications

The bathroom and kitchen spaces are the two areas that are of utmost concern when it comes to aging in place. To combat worry from within the bathroom area there are a number of options to present to homeowners from walk-in tubs to built in shower seats. My preference for safety and efficiency is the installation of a walk-in shower with a built-in bench. This however will not satisfy homeowners looking to take a bath. If an actual tub is desired a walk-in tub can be installed. Along with these modifications it is important to add grab bars and a raised toilet to just add to ease of use with-in the space.

Modern Bathroom Updates For Seniors

The idea behind age in place remodeling is to help baby boomers who want to retire in their own home as, to do so safely, independently, and comfortably regardless of their income or ability level. Besides living on your own home is a lot cheaper. Seniors seem to be happy and enjoy some perks of being close to their loved ones, where they can get on with a life that is familiar to them as opposed to a nursing home or aged-care facility. There are, however, many potential risks for injury to seniors as they age lurking around their homes and making a few but vital modifications can significantly minimize such risks.

Types Of Age In Place Modifications

Examples of simple, cost-effective age in place modifications that an aging in place contractor can make include but are not limited to mounting additional railings and grab bars, installing nonskid flooring, turning a regular tub into a walk-in bathtub, installing a hand-held flexible shower head, increasing lighting, installing accessible switches at both ends of the stairs to boost visibility, and minimize the risks of falls. Falls happen to be the leading cause of distressing death with seniors.

Bathroom Updates For Seniors

The bathroom is one area that can greatly benefit from aging in place remodeling because lack of support in the shower or bathroom certainly increases the risks of accidental fall. The bathroom is a constantly wet area and one of the best ways to improve this situation is to install a shower without a threshold so that somebody in a wheelchair or walking aid can move in and out freely even without help.

Choosing a flooring material for the entire bathroom floor is equally important. It entails picking a material that is slip resistant, one with an anti-slippery coating that doesn’t move out of place, one that is easy to move over with a cane, walker, or wheelchair without slipping, it should also be one that doesn’t require too much cleaning and maintenance. Bathroom flooring materials such as stone, ceramic or porcelain should be avoided because not only are they hard and unyielding, they also require regular maintenance, they are cold to the feet, and above all, tiles with wide grout joints or uneven surfaces can be a trip hazard for seniors.

Changes To Your Lighting

Bathroom lighting for age in place remodeling is very important because too much lighting or lack thereof poses a risk of tripping. Puck lights are modern and versatile lighting solutions that an aging in place contractor can install inside cabinets or as under cabinet task lighting. Light fixtures with a built-in occupancy sensor are ideal for aging in place bathrooms and if possible for the entire home. Important also is to choose faucets that are easy to open with little effort as well as adding non-slip railing along the walls for additional support and bring all cabinets to a comfortable height that a senior can reach upwards, but not too low as you don’t want seniors to have to bend over too much.

Benefits of Age in Place Remodeling

Age in place remodeling is something everyone should consider. The term has many misconceptions about growing old. However, a good age in place contractor will help to create a space that you will always feel comfortable in. Rather than a home looking old, it continues to show your personality and offers the style you desire.

Here’s a look at the four benefits of age in place remodeling:

Your Home Becomes Your Forever Home

It’s common to look at a home as a stop-gap for the time being. Eventually you want to upsize to grow your family or you want something different in terms of living space, kitchen, or bathroom. You may even need to look at installing handicap ramps into your home.

Age in place remodeling makes it so your home is your forever home. It is designed for all your needs now and into the future. A good age in place contractor will help you consider the possibilities in the future of needing ramps and support while considering your current needs, ensuring that your space will always offer exactly what you need.

You Are Ready If Something Happens

You just don’t know exactly what the future holds. While you may feel in full physical health now, an accident can happen tomorrow or you may have an underlying health problem with no symptoms. This time next year, you may find you need to completely remodel your home just to be able to live comfortably.

Thinking about age in place remodeling will give you the chance to plan ahead. You look at the chances of an accident and look at the parts of your home that could become inaccessible. If something does happen, you can quickly add in the new needed items, rather than wait weeks to get a contractor in and then months for the total remodel to take place. You have peace of mind and security.

Make Your Home Comfortable

Harsh lighting can cause headaches, while a cluttered kitchen can make it difficult to work around. When you opt for age in place remodeling, you have the ability to create a comfortable home. Each room will have the specific purpose you need and you can choose lighting specifically to soften and create relaxing areas.

The bathroom gets the tub and suite that you’ve always dreamed of having, while the hallways can be lined with the right shelving to make storage easier. Getting rid of the clutter and creating a space you’re happy with will make you happier when you are at home.

Your Home Requires Less Maintenance

While you may enjoy a little gardening, you don’t necessarily want the whole garden and lawn to be covered in grass. An age in place contractor will look at the garden and help create one that requires less maintenance. You don’t have to worry about watering or mowing the lawn every week or so. There’s no need to worry about that will do it when you’re physically unable to.

That doesn’t mean all your flower beds will be removed. The contracts will consider ways to make it easier to get to your plants. You may have raised flower beds installed or handicap ramps around your lawn to make sure you can still get across the grass to your plants should something happen.

Consider age in place remodeling for your home. Thinking about it now will help you have peace of mind for the future so you can get your forever home.

New Looks for an Old Home

There are many ways which can be used in order to improve the old looks of homes. With the help of remodeling and home renovations any type of home can get a new look. Many things are located inside a home. These can be changed to get a new look. Placement of things in a home can be changed in order to have a new look. Repairs in homes can be done to remove the defects and get new feelings.

If you have a home with paint on walls then you can use tiles on walls in order to have new looks.
There are many types of tiles in the market which can be used for homes.
You can have tiles of different colors for different rooms.
There are special tiles which are made for bathrooms and different tiles are to be used for other rooms.
You can have curtains in your home with new styles.

Many types of curtains are available in the market which can be installed in homes for getting new looks. You can have curtains of different designs in different rooms to have unique looks. Furniture is another main thing which can be used for changing styles and looks of homes. You can change furniture in your home or change the arrangement of furniture in your rooms.

This will give a new feeling in your home and your decoration will be changed. Many people are using remodeling and home renovations in order to get new feelings from time to time. You can change the covers of your beds and seats to have a new look. You can buy some new things to be used in your home and sell out some old things. You can make a budget to make sure that you are spending in limits while remodeling.

Many people like to introduce some changes after some time in their homes to have new feelings.
It is good to use some changes in old homes or getting new looks.
Homes have many things which can be changed after some time in order to have new looks.
If you are willing to have some new feeling and decoration then you can change the arrangement of things in your home.

This will require some efforts on your part but you are not needed to invest money in this process. You are just needed to change the location of things in your home and you are done. You can change the location of tables and chairs from one room to another and change the location of your bed and cupboard in rooms to have a new look. These and many other options are available in changing the styles and looks of things in homes. If you want to introduce some new things then you have to invest some money.

You can but new chairs and tables for your home and install them in required rooms to have new feelings and looks. With some remodeling and home renovations you are able to change the looks and feels of your home and have good results in a short time period.