As you or a loved one age, your home might need to be adapted in order to accommodate lifestyle changes and to maintain independence. Over 41% of people plan to remain in their homes until they are 81 years old or older. As you age, it is important to adapt your home gradually to increase maneuverability. Plan ahead and start early when remodeling your home to accommodate aging. It is cheaper to make small renovations at a time rather than a complete home overhaul.
Grab Bars
Installing grab bars will reduce the risk of falls and injuries. Install them where the floor is likely to get wet, or at transitions between levels. Installing grab bars is best left to a professional contractor, as they require special reinforcement. If a grab bar is installed incorrectly, it can be pulled out of the wall and cause injury.
Grab bars should be installed in the following places:
* Showers
* Near toilets
* Stairs
* Room Transitions
Home Entry
You can change the curb appeal of your home by removing the stairs and allowing access to the main floor. Planning ahead is necessary. A ramp made of wood or concrete can provide a gradual slope to the front door. You can plan ahead and have a contractor build a ramp to match the aesthetics of your home, without reducing its value. This allows wheelchairs, walkers, and those who are unable to use stairs access.
Making Doorways Wider
It is easy to increase the width of your doorways to make it easier for you and your wheelchair or walker to live at home. A contractor should be able to complete the project of widening a doorway in about one day. It is easier to access a 36-inch wide door than a 24″ or 32″ standard.
Floorplan Alterations
It is important to create space for maneuvering. You may need to create space in order to use a wheel chair. A wheelchair needs a space of five square feet to move around. To create more space, you can open up the floor plan. This can be achieved by removing full walls and pony walls, creating cased windows, and relocating appliances and furniture to ensure that paths are wide and open.
You may need to limit your living space to one floor if you are aging and have difficulty climbing or descending stairs. It is important that you have a kitchen, a bathroom, and a place for a bedroom all on the main floor of your home. A contractor can add a shower to a half-bath or create a completely new bathroom if there is no full bathroom on the first floor. According HomeAdvisor a laundry room located on the main floor may even increase the value.
Remove Thresholds
By removing the thresholds between rooms, you can reduce the risk of tripping. This is a common cause of injury among older people. Many homes have a floor threshold between rooms with different flooring. It is possible to alleviate this by removing the floor threshold or installing a ramp.
Shower Conversion
The bathroom can be dangerous due to tripping hazards and slippery floors. It is important to eliminate tripping hazards, even with grab bars and grippy mats. Converting a bathtub to a shower is a popular option. This renovation allows for easy access, especially for those who are in a wheelchair.
Original Blog: https://realtytimes.com/archives/item/1006566-renovations-to-make-aging-at-home-easier?rtmpage=
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