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The Art Of Age In Place Remodeling

Aging in place is a concept that is easy to get on board with.  The concept of universal design and age in place remodeling are both widely accepted concepts within the home improvement arena.  This may possibly come from the idea that many of us are staying healthier longer and are able to care for ourselves within our home environment.  The idea of having the freedom of living alone taken away from us is frightening and for the most part something many of us want to avoid. This is completely possible with smart remodeling.

Tips To Consider For Age In Place Remodeling

  • First consider the space you live in.  Is the home all on one floor or are there levels of the home that you will need access too?  This is the first concern to address within every space.  If the home is a ranch are the hallways too long?  Do you easily lose stamina walking from one end of the house to the other?  If the home is on more than one floor will you consider the addition of an elevator or chair lift?  These are all pricey renovations that really need some forethought.
  • Install at least one entry way into the home that includes a no-step entry. With this comes some special considerations including making sure the space has a covered entry. Additional drainage and a level space to maneuver on outside of the entryway.
  • The doors within the home may need to be widened to accommodate the use of a wheelchair or walker.  Altering doorways can be difficult in that you have to be aware of wiring as well as the structural load of the home.  This is one alteration that may not be easy but is essential in easing access into and out of rooms within the home.
  • Another renovation that is often done with aging in place is the addition of pocket doors.  This allows the homeowner to have additional space to maneuver without the hassle of a door in the way.  Pocket doors have one drawback that is easily modified, the handles.  In order to accommodate aging hands and lessened dexterity add a pull to both sides of the pocket that fits just outside the pocket.
  • Bathroom spaces are always the most renovated rooms within homes that are undergoing basic changes to allow for aging in place.  The addition of a walk in tub is not necessary.  They are expensive and offer only a very narrow door in which to enter.   All of which I see to be a hazard.  Instead consider ripping out the tub and in its place adding a walk-in, no-step entry shower.  Include in the space easy to maneuver temperature controlled faucets, a built in bench seat with plenty of grab bars to help sturdy aging bodies as well as an adjustable, removable shower head.

When it comes to any age in place remodeling project consider how it will ease your lifestyle.  The list above includes the most common issues seen in homes that are renovating to allow for aging in place.

The Home Doctor, based in Livingston County including Brighton and Howell Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from bathroom remodeling to age in place home modifications.  Contact http://glenmillerthehomedoctor.com/ today all of your home renovating needs.

Improving Care With Age In Place Remodeling and Universal Design

People in today’s society are living longer.  They are in better health and can remain independent longer than even the people of our grandparent’s generation.  Even in better health, growing older means that special arrangements need to be made around the house to assure safety and to meet the needs of our changing abilities.  If you have decided that you are going to downsize and move into a smaller home look for a home built under universal design guidelines.   However, if you are hoping to remain in your current home there are many age in place renovations that can be done to maintain independence while increasing safety.

Homes that are built with the universal design philosophy are produced in and environment with products that are created especially for older people or people with disabilities.  Barrier free layout concepts are applied throughout the home while maintaining the aesthetics of the home.  Examples of universal design applied to the home include:

  • Entrance and exits on the ground level are smooth and easy to access.
  • Flooring surfaces are created with texture to remain slip resistant.
  • Throughout the home handles are levered instead of knobs.
  • Bright lighting is present in abundance in every room of the home.

Many people choose to stay within their own homes instead of moving to a home that explores the universal design concept.  When this is the case there are several age in place modification that can be put into place that will make the environment safer while keeping the aesthetic beauty of the original home. Here are some simple age in place modifications that can be done to create a safe and secure environment for aging adults.

  • Reduce the temperature on the water heater to avoid scalding.
  • Knobs on doors, faucets and cabinets should be replaced by levers.
  • In the entrance and exits of the home additional lighting, with motion sensors should be installed.
  • All flooring should be inspected.  Remove all scatter rugs and add texture strips to any flooring that is slick such as bathroom and kitchen tiles.
  • If the home has steps make sure that handrails are secure.  If the stairs are used on a regular basis consider adding an additional handrail to the opposite side of the stairway as well.
  • Special care is needed throughout the bathroom area.  Install easy to use levers handles on the sink, shower and bathtub.  Add grab bars and install non-stick strips to the slick tub surface and bathroom flooring.  Lighting with a motion sensor is a nice addition to the bathroom of aging adults as well.
  • Add additional lighting to the kitchen.  Cabinetry should be installed with sliding shelves to allow for easier access. Tools that are used frequently should be moved to locations that are easy to reach and that don’t require bending or reaching.
  • Furniture should be arranged throughout the house to allow for minimal obstructions.
  • Telephones should be installed in easy to reach locations throughout the house.  This can easily be done by installing a central phone base with additional charging ports in every room in the home.

Changes to your home should be done over the course of time.  As you are remodeling your home consider using age in place remodeling products and techniques.  This allows for a gradual transition transforming your home into a safe place to age.

The Home Doctor, based in Livingston County including Brighton and Howell Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from bathroom remodeling to age in place home modifications.  Contact http://glenmillerthehomedoctor.com/ today all of your home renovating needs.