As you grow older, you may crave the ability to live in your home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, but this requires a bit of renovation in terms of accessibility.
Interior Remodeling for Aging in Place
We spend more of our time indoors as we age, so it’s important that the inside of your home accommodates your needs. Everything from your bathroom to your hallways to your bedroom needs to be accessible to ensure that you are living comfortably and independently.
Bathrooms
The bathroom is one of the most important aging-in-place remodels to consider. When you are older, having a first-floor full bathroom is crucial to the livability and functionality of your home. If you do not have a bathroom located on the first floor, it may be time to consider an addition or to install an elevator or chairlift in your home for easier second-floor access.
If you do have a functional first-floor bathroom, you will need it to include:
- Enough space to move around
- Toilets of a proper height
- Non-slip flooring
- Grab bars near the toilet and in the shower
- Accessible showers that are easy to enter and exit
Kitchen
Your kitchen is arguably the most important room in your home. It’s where you start your day with a morning cup of coffee, where you prepare your food, and likely where you share your meals with family and friends. It’s a room that needs to be usable and safe for everyone, especially those of old age or who have a disability. Location is key to a functional kitchen, and the first floor is ideal.
If you do have a first-floor kitchen, consider the following renovations:
- Non-slip flooring
- Adjustable sinks
- Accessible cabinets and rotating shelves
- Modern, easy-to-use appliances
Bedrooms
Besides your kitchen and your bathroom, you spend a lot of your time at home in your bedroom. It’s where you sleep and get dressed, and it needs to be accessible. Ideally, your bedroom will be on the first floor because it ensures easier access to other essential rooms in the home, like the kitchen, bathroom, and living room. If your bedroom or the bedroom of an elderly or disabled family member is located on the upper level of your home, consider installing an elevator or a chairlift for easier access and a more comfortable, convenient living environment.
Also, consider the following renovations:
- Safety rails installed near the bed
- Adjustable shelving and closet lighting
- Additional lighting for extra safety
Interested in beginning an interior design-build project to age in place? The experts at New Fresh Homes are here to help.
Exterior Remodeling for Aging in Place
As you get older, or if you are struggling with a long-term or short-term disability, you want the ease of access to go out and live your life as you would normally. In this regard, the exterior of your home is just as important as the interior. When considering aging-in-place remodeling, don’t forget to include entryways, garages, walkways, and stairwells in your list of areas to be made accessible.
Entryways and Walkways
Getting in and out of your home can become increasingly difficult as you grow older. You may have a wheelchair or walker that simply can’t make it up the stairs, or maybe you’re concerned about your safety and want to prevent accidents caused by slippery or worn-down surfaces.
When remodeling your entryways and walkways for aging-in-place, you should consider the following:
- Create doorways that are wide enough to fit a wheelchair
- Install slip-resistant flooring outside and inside the main entrance
- Confirm that the entryway’s threshold is low enough to assist those with limited range of motion
- Replace entryway stairs with a ramp for wheelchair access
Garage
Easy access to your vehicle is also an important part of aging-in-place. If you do not have a garage or carport to protect your vehicle from the elements, consider a garage addition.
If you do have a garage but want to make it more accessible, the following remodeling ideas are essential for a comfortable living arrangement:
- Ensure your space is wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs and other assistive devices
- Install adjustable storage systems for easy access to all of your extra items
- Confirm that the entryway’s threshold is low enough to assist those with limited range of motion
- Replace lighting fixtures with universal design in mind
Interested in beginning an exterior design-build project to age in place? The experts at New Fresh Homes are here to help.
Schedule Your Aging-in-Place Remodel Today!
Obviously, there are hundreds more aging-in-place and universal design projects you could dream up. Remodeling your home for disability or age is a unique process for every individual customer in Connecticut. The design-build experts at New Fresh Homes will walk you through the entire process and listen to your unique needs.
Call us today at (203) 271-8400 for more information on our aging-in-place remodeling services.
