Aging In Place Home Renovation Ideas
If you or a loved one is getting older and having trouble moving around, it can be challenging to change your home to accommodate your changing circumstances. Most people would find it easier to stay at home until the end of their lives, but the layout and features of a home can make that complicated at times. Many stairs, tight, inaccessible areas, having multiple floors, and other common home layouts may not be a problem when we’re younger. However, they become almost impossible to handle as we get older. If you’re thinking about remodelling your home to fit your needs or the needs of a family member, find out more about the process. This will help you decide if home remodels for safe aging in place is the right choice for you.
What is aging in place?
Aging in place means staying in your own home as you get older instead of moving to a retirement community, an assisted living facility, or a nursing home. To successfully age in place, you need to think about how your needs or the needs of your loved ones will change and plan for that. You will still live in your home but may need help taking care of yourself, doing chores, making meals, or getting around your home. There are many ways in which aging in place is good for seniors. But physical limitations might make it hard for them to move around the house. However, we’ve got a few home renovations tips that could help them deal with some of these problems and provide safe aging in place options.
Why is it important for seniors to have a safe home?
Most people want to stay in their homes as they get older. But homes can be challenging for older people to get into and can pose safety risks. Seniors who live at home face a significant risk of falling:
● Every year, one out of every four adults over 65 falls.
● Every fifth fall causes a severe injury, like a broken bone or a blow to the head.
● Every year, 3 million older people go to the ER because they hurt themselves in a fall.
Falls can be caused by insufficient vitamin D, taking certain medicines, or having trouble walking. But things like clutter on the floor, uneven steps, and slippery bathroom floors can cause you to trip and fall, but you can avoid them if you plan ahead. Homes can be built with safety in mind. Home improvements or full house renovation for seniors can lower the chance of falling and make it easier for them to get around.
Remodeling suggestions
Basic DIY upgrades can only take you so far when it comes to aging in place. Most people seriously considering aging in place, will need to make more extensive modifications to their homes as they age. You should think about everything, from everyday tasks to how to make it easier to clean your home. The following are some of the most typical improvements older people make to their homes.
Bathroom modifications
There are a few, basic, inexpensive, DIY upgrades you may consider. Installing grab bars in the bathtub or shower and beside the toilet will certainly make using the facilities much safer. In addition, installing anti-slip mats will also help reduce fall risk. If you have a small bathroom, it is crucial to make the most of the space. If you have any old bathroom accessories that are not used frequently, consider removing them, and patching up the walls, to eliminate any risk of injury due to bumping into something.
A more comprehensive solution would involve doing a full bathroom renovation including features such as building a curb-less shower to eliminate the need to crawl over a bathtub or a high ledge to get in and out of the shower. Making the toilet accessible by allowing sufficient gap between the toilet, shower and the vanity would also be a great way of future-proofing your bathroom.
Another thing to consider would be to limit the hot water temperature to about 45 degrees or less to avoid risk of burning. This could be done at the fixture level or can be done throughout your entire home. Your bathroom renovation contractor and/or plumber would be able to advise on what the best way of achieving this would be.
Installing good lighting, including a nightlight, would make it easier to see and keep from getting hurt in the dark.
You can also install a raised toilet seat that meets accessibility requirements. Speaking of accessibility, it might be worth considering replacing your bathroom door with a larger one should you need this area to be wheelchair accessible in the future!
Kitchen modifications
Burns, cuts, and falls are common injuries in the kitchen. When it comes to kitchen renovations and modifications, it’s important to make the kitchen safer and easier to use. You can start by adding mats that don’t slip to stop falls. For wheelchair access, the counter height can be lowered, and pull-out drawers can be added. You could add a work table if you cannot lower the kitchen counters. To avoid cuts, put away very sharp or big knives. Also, remodelling sharp corners on counters to be rounded or padded can prevent bumps.
Rethinking storage in your kitchen is also very important. Allowing ample storage at or below eye level will eliminate the need to reach up high or get on a stool to reach items higher up. One way or achieving this incorporating a pantry into your kitchen. Although a pantry may eat up some counter space, you’d be surprised how much storage you can gain by adding a pantry. Plus, if you can regain your counter by organizing and storing everything away in the pantry!
Bedroom modifications
If your bedroom is upstairs, it would be good to move it to the ground floor. In case you don’t have that option, you can reconsider installing a home stair lift. When it comes to furniture, first check to see if the height of your bed is safe. Seniors should be able to sit on the edge with their knees bent and their feet flat on the floor. If not, you can add risers to the bed’s frame to make it taller. If a bed is too high, take out the box spring. Or put a thinner, lower-profile box spring in its place. You can make it easier to sit up by putting bed rails or a pull-up bar under the mattress.
It is crucial to do home remodels for safe aging in place
If you or someone you care about is aging, start with these home remodels for safe aging in place. As you get older, staying in your own home is a great way to enjoy your later years in comfort. You can spend your golden years in the comfort of your own home, even if you make a few simple changes. We are sure you will appreciate it.
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