The trend toward aging in place for retirees and seniors is quite different from previous generations of empty nesters who looked forward to retirement communities and lives of leisure. Even though Baby Boomers may be in better physical condition than their predecessors, aging takes a toll on physical well-being, with mobility and vision problems causing the most concern.
The option for an increasing number of families today is to open their homes to their elderly relatives, whether it stems from need or preference. Grown children often remain at home or return home; single parents frequently share homes with their own parents.
Changes in the structure, size and makeup of American households requires taking a fresh look at architecture and design that will address the needs of various age groups, from toddler to senior citizen. There are many easy ways to remodel your home to accommodate aging in place, for you or a family member. Electronic door chimes that sound throughout the home are an easy way to stay alert when caring for an Alzheimer’s patient in the home.
Take a cue from commercial standards when modifying your home. Resulting from passage of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, there are some relatively simple ways to accommodate an elderly person.
One of the primary areas where mobility can be a challenge is in the bathroom. Simple renovations such as comfort-height toilets, bath bars, step-through tubs, and showers with no curbs add safety and convenience in the bathroom and make aging in place possible.
Stairs can also present a significant challenge for you or an aging family member in the home. The addition of a chair lift makes two-story homes suitable for seniors who have trouble walking, and exterior ramps can be added to make entry easier.
Caring for an Alzheimer’s patient presents additional challenges beyond mobility. Oftentimes, an Alzheimer’s patient may be very mobile, but the disease makes them more likely to forget where they are going.
Electronic door chimes that sound throughout the home are an easy way to stay alert when caring for an Alzheimer’s patient in the home.
As we age, we lose our ability to see at night and in darkened areas first. Lighted switches and motion-activated lighting are two conveniences as well as safety features. Lighted cover plates and outlets make it easier for someone with vision loss to find the switch.
Here are some additional updates that make a big impact:
Replace door knobs with levers for easier grip.
Trade traditional faucets for models with blade handles or motion controls.
Eliminate stairs and level changes wherever possible; widen all hallways to at least 36 inches, eliminate long halls whenever possible, and make most, if not all, doorways and room openings at least 36 inches.
One easy way to assure that a bathroom is usable by small children as well as someone in a wheelchair is to simply lower one vanity sink and eliminate the cabinet underneath, opting instead for a slim vanity shelf.
Consider automatic flushing mechanisms.
Install anti-scalding temperature controls in showers.
Lower wall switches and raise receptacles throughout the home so that they are easier to reach; install illuminated versions where appropriate for safety and convenience.
Consider wall ovens with doors that open to the side rather than fold down to the front.
Lower the cook top so that burners are easily accessible by a short person or from a wheelchair.
Investigate refrigerator and dishwasher drawers; store dishes in below-counter drawers and eliminate upper cabinets. Install pull-out shelves and corner lazy-Susans.
There is no denying that society is changing on a global scale as more and more individuals live longer. An estimated three million individuals will turn 65 every year for the next two decades or so. Aging in place, for you or a family member, can be accomplished with some simple remodeling fixes. If you’re ready to update your home to accommodate some of these changes, contact VIP Services today! We are here to help make your home the ideal living space for your loved ones.
