Remodels for Aging in Place
Contractors Report In on Home Renovations & Remodels for Aging in Place
Successful long-term aging in place requires planning and considering some changes to the house. Preparing your home often means decluttering and even remodeling. Being able to access and fully enjoy your living space is a major quality-of-lifestyle consideration. Of course, making your home safe, secure, and comfortable are vital steps to enable aging in place.
Remodels for aging in place most often include safety devices like grab bars and higher toilets. Also popular, access enhancement enables the full use of the home and includes curb-less shower entry, widened doorways and outdoor ramps over porch steps. Bathrooms are the most-altered space, unsurprisingly, with over 80 percent of remodelers who answered the question reported installing grab bars, higher toilets and curb-less showers. The next-most-common project on the list, widening doorways, followed at a considerable distance (59 percent). The chart below shows common remodeling projects for aging-in-place, based on a study of contractors by the National Association of Home Builders.
The chart above is from a study conducted by NAHB, titled Remodeling Market Index Economics & Housing Policy Group – Special Questions on Aging-in-Place can be viewed here: NAHB Special Report – Special Questions on Aging in Place.
contrary to ads and home improvement on television, walk-in bathtubs and lower counters rank bottom of the list…
Be Safe
Interestingly, contrary to popular online ads and home improvement features on television, walk-in bathtubs and lower counters rank at the bottom of the list. Novelty gets attention, so it seems. In reality, remodels for aging in place start with more practical needs. In this case, the old adage applies: safety first!
Be Comfortable
Naturally, simplicity creates comfort. Obviously, an easier home to use is easier to live in. Naturally, decluttering makes a huge difference. Importantly also, access to all areas, particularly entrances, showers and closets, make life easier. Plan your comfort!
Enjoy Your Home
Obviously, remodels are not always needed for aging in place. However, planning is! Plan to not only be safe and comfortable, plan to enjoy your home. First, consider what you do daily. Then, how can your home stay fun? Always, keep things you enjoy visible and easily accessed. Make enjoyment a priority!