4 Essential Remodeling Projects for Aging in Place

Aging in place means continuing to live in your own home as you get older for as long as your health and other factors allow. This means anticipating how your needs may change as you age and making home modifications to help meet your goal of aging in place, creating an environment capable of accommodating any changes. Use the aging-in-place design ideas below to identify essential areas of your home to remodel or alter so that you can continue to live in your house for years to come.

It’s important to create a home that is functional for you now and as you continue to age.

• Non-slip floor covering: Installing a non-slip floor covering – whether that be a mat, a particular type of flooring or a coating product – is essential to prevent slipping and falling in the shower.
• Roll-under sink: If you use a wheelchair, installing a roll-under sink will make it easier for you to roll right up to the sink and reach the entire surface of the counter. It will also eliminate the possibility of running into cabinets.
• Hand rails: Adding hand rails in the shower will reduce the chances of falling.
• Waterproof laminated wall panels: Anything that requires little to no maintenance to maintain upkeep is a plus as you get older. Waterproof laminated wall panels that look like tiles will eliminate the need for scrubbing. All they need for a good clean is warm water on a clean cloth.

• Wider alleys and walkways: This will give you more space to move around the kitchen.
• Pull-out countertops: Having a surface to pull towards you will make prepping for meals a lot easier. It will require less reaching, especially if you use a wheelchair.
• Remote-control range hood: This will allow you to control the fan without having to reach up.
• Roll-under sink: This will give you room for your wheelchair, or simply free up the area for your convenience.
• Roll under cooktop: Like a roll-under sink, this will give you space to roll up to the stove in a wheelchair and help you avoid dinging your cabinets while cooking.
• Moving the microwave down: Keeping the microwave below the countertop will get rid of the need to reach up and bring it closer to you if you’re in a wheelchair.
• Smooth cooktop: A smooth cooktop with a roll-out stool will make it easier to move hot items off the stove. Also consider installing a cooktop that allows you to slide dishes onto it directly from the counter.

• Wall oven: This will make the oven accessible to both someone in a wheelchair and someone standing. A wall oven with pull-out counter space will make it easier to transfer dishes in and out.

• Outlets and light switches: Outlets should be moved up and light switches should be moved down so they are easier to access from a wheelchair and require less bending.

Researching products and contractors before making home modifications for aging in place is strongly encouraged. Mike Foti with Innovate Building Solutions says finding a contractor who is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) is ideal. These contractors will know the best aging-in-place products to use and the best way to incorporate them into your home remodel. If you can’t find a contractor who is trained in universal and accessible design, find someone who is willing to make the modifications you need.

Foti also recommends doing your own research on aging-in-place designs and products, because you can’t assume the contractor will.

Making plans for aging at home is the best way to ensure you’ll be able to maintain your independence and continue living in the comfort of your own home for as long as your health allows. And once the work starts, we can make cleaning up all your remodeling debris easy with a dumpster rental.