Renovating Your Home to Accommodate Aging in Place – One of the most important factors in designing your home remodel is considering your future. While transforming the home into something you love today is important, the best way to maximize the investment in your remodel is to design something you will also love for years to come. If the house you live in now is one you plan to call home for many decades, you may want to consider how to accommodate aging in place.
Designing a home remodel is a multi-faceted, complex, and sometimes stressful process. Leaning on the expertise and advanced technology of our design team, you don’t have to experience the emotional roller coaster so many people complain about during the remodeling journey. Contact us any time to learn more about how we can help you transform your current house into a dream home.
Renovating Your Home to Accommodate Aging in Place
What is aging in place?
As you enter the later decades of your life and need additional medical attention or support, you will be faced with a decision about continuing to live in your home or moving to a facility that can provide the accommodations and assistance you need.
Aging in place is generally defined as the ability to safely continue living in one’s own home after needing varying levels of support from a caregiver. This might be a relative or a hired medical professional, but in either case, aging in place means you will be able to continue living in your own home as your medical needs increase and change, rather that moving to a medical facility.
Factors to Consider for Aging in Place
In order to enjoy aging in place safely and accommodate independent living for as long as possible, there are some factors to keep in mind as you design your remodel.
Wheelchair Access
While you may never need your home to be in a wheelchair, consider making at least parts of the floor plan wheelchair accessible. The kitchen, living spaces, and at least one bathroom should be able to accommodate a wheelchair, in addition to major hallways being wide enough for wheelchair access.
Making the main living space all one level is a great way to work toward this goal, and leaving space to transition exterior entrances from steps to ramps is another important factor.
Another great way to do this is by making sure there is a spacious bedroom and full bathroom on the main level. Even if your primary suite is located upstairs, consider adding a guest suite downstairs that can be converted into your bedroom if accessibility becomes an issue during aging in place.
Bathrooms
At least one bathroom should be remodeled with aging in place in mind. As you choose your building materials and finishes, avoid surfaces that will be particularly slippery, and consider a shower entrance that has no lip or elevation change.
Lighting
Adequate lighting is essential for safety. Be sure to incorporate plenty of natural and artificial light in your renovation plans, especially in spaces that tend to be dimly lit. If you have a hallways or small room that does not have many windows in it, consider adding a solar tube to bring in more natural light during the day.
Technology
Smart home technology offers a variety of ways to help make your home safe and functional for aging in place. Consider adding voice activated or smart phone controlled smart home features during your remodel, allowing you to control the temperature, window coverings, appliances, security systems, and more without walking over to them.
Caregivers
Depending on the layout of your home, you may want to identify a place to accommodate overnight caregivers. Whether you have a relative move in with you or plan to hire a home health aid that will sleep in the home, keep these considerations in mind as you design your remodel.
Ready to learn more about transforming your home? Contact us any time to get started.
