As we age, staying in the comfort and familiarity of our homes becomes increasingly important. For many seniors, making a few changes to their homes can help ensure the necessary safety and accessibility for aging in place.
Fortunately, there are numerous remodeling options that can help seniors live independently and comfortably in their homes for longer. Here are some of the top remodeling solutions designed to enhance the quality of life for seniors and allow them to age in place with confidence.
Create a Main-Level Bedroom
If your home doesn’t already have a main-level living space, this can be a crucial addition that helps seniors age in place. Creating a main-level bedroom and full bathroom allows older individuals or those with mobility challenges to have everything they need on one level, so there’s no need to navigate stairs.
Many homes don’t need an addition to create a main-level suite. You may be able to convert an existing room or space on the primary level into a bedroom and expand a half-bath into a full bath for a more affordable remodeling project.
Install a Wheelchair Ramp or Stairlift
For seniors who have difficulty navigating stairs, installing a wheelchair ramp or a stairlift can be a game-changer. These accessibility options allow individuals with mobility challenges to move freely between different levels of the home without the risk of falls or injuries. By eliminating barriers, seniors can maintain their independence and remain connected to all areas of their homes.
Make Important Bathroom Modifications
The bathroom can be a particularly hazardous area for seniors due to wet surfaces, lighting glare, and lack of things to hold on to. To ensure their safety, consider making important modifications, such as installing a walk-in shower or tub with grab bars and a built-in bench for added stability.
Non-slip flooring, handheld showerheads, and raised toilet seats can also contribute to a safer and more accessible bathing experience for seniors. Additionally, consider replacing traditional doorknobs with lever-style handles to make them easier to operate.
Incorporate Enhanced Lighting Features
Good lighting is essential for seniors with diminishing eyesight and can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. Increase the overall brightness in the home by upgrading to LED or bright halogen lighting.
Additionally, consider installing motion-activated lights in hallways, stairways, and bathrooms to illuminate pathways without the need to flip on a light switch. Adequate lighting allows seniors to navigate their homes confidently, reducing the likelihood of falls and ensuring a safer living environment.
Design an Open Floor Plan
When remodeling your home for accessibility, consider opening the floor plan to improve maneuverability. Seniors with limited mobility or those who use mobility aids such as walkers or wheelchairs can benefit greatly from open spaces that allow for easy movement.
By removing unnecessary walls and widening doorways, seniors can navigate their homes more freely even with walking aids, facilitating independence and a better quality of life.
Make Kitchen Adaptations
Adapting the kitchen for senior-friendly use can include installing adjustable countertops, pull-out shelves, and easy-to-reach storage solutions. Lowering the height of certain appliances and adding touchless faucets can also make cooking and meal preparation less physically demanding.
You can also consider replacing knobs with lever handles on cabinets and appliances to make them easier to use for seniors with arthritis or limited dexterity, allowing them to still cook or access food without significant effort.
Book a Free Remodeling Consultation With Us
If you or a loved one are considering aging in place, contact Northern Virginia Custom Kitchen Bath and Basement to book a free remodeling consultation. We can explore the specific home modifications that would best suit your needs. By making these changes, seniors can maintain their independence, improve their quality of life, and remain in the homes they cherish for years to come.