Maintaining your independence as you age can be challenging, but aging in place remodeling is part of the solution. Learn everything you need to know about making your home suitable for long-term living from the experts at Top Home Builders. Home renovations projects for seniors might involve widening doorways, installing ramps, and adjusting countertop heights. These changes, among others, allow you to continue to live comfortably and safely in your home for years to come. Read on to discover how an age in place renovation can benefit you or your loved ones.

What Is Aging in Place Home Remodeling?

Aging in Place Home Remodeling Tips

Age-in-place remodels involve modifying a home to meet the needs of the homeowner as they age. Rather than opting for senior living facilities or moving into a relative’s home, people are choosing to stay in their homes for as long as possible. Aging-in-place renovations can include expanding hallways, installing grab bars, and converting tubs to showers. There are many benefits of aging in place, such as living in the comfort of your own home with improved safety and more independence.

Here is a list of common age-in-place home modifications:

  • Grab bars
  • Accessibility lifts
  • Adequate lighting
  • Bed railings
  • Wheelchair ramps
  • Non-slip floors
  • Walk-in tub and shower
  • Motion sensors

Key Aging in Place Renovation Suggestions

There is a multitude of remodeling tips and techniques that you can explore to make your home the ideal living environment during your later years. The following are some key aging in place suggestions:

Depending on the extent of the renovations, the number of floors, and the accessibility features you’re seeking, the price of aging in place renovations can differ. Before beginning your remodeling project, it’s important to establish a budget. This gives you the opportunity to plan ahead for the expenses of accessible fixtures and appliances, as well as installation costs. Another vital consideration is allocating funds within your budget for unexpected expenses, such as relocating plumbing systems or structural changes.

Compiling a checklist ensures all your needs and wants are met during your renovation. While accessibility all aim to provide the same benefits of increasing safety and comfort, not every age in place remodel will be the same. For example, the renovations you perform in a bungalow versus a two-storey home will be a little different.

Here is an example of an remodelling checklist for elderly people living alone:

  • Exterior: Replace exterior siding with a low-maintenance brink or vinyl. Reduce landscaping upkeep by introducing smaller shrubs and plant life, and moving gardens closer to the entry and exit way of the home. Install proper lighting and handrails for the patio.
  • Floor plan: Widen the hallways, passageways, and doorways both inside and outside the home. Install non-slip flooring throughout the home as well as ramps for the deck.
  • Security: Install motion sensor lights outdoors and cameras with remote viewing capabilities. Make sure fire alarms, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors are installed and up-to date. Include a sprinkler system in the kitchen to put out fires more efficiently.
  • Interior: Remove obstacles and tripping hazards, including rugs, bulky furniture, and uneven flooring. Lower light switches, adapt an open concept floor plan, and connect smart home technology.
  • Doors: Expand doors, install swing-clear hinges, and remove lips in the doorway. Replace doorknobs with lever-style handles.
  • Windows: Trade in curtains for motorized blinds. Install accessible locks that can be reached from a seated position.

If your home has two storeys, you may consider moving your primary bedroom and washroom to the main level. This can help you avoid the expense of stair lifts, especially if you live in a home with more than two storeys. Renovating your home to include a main floor bedroom and accessible bathroom can be a more cost-effective solution compared to installing multiple stair lifts. Primarily using the first floor can reduce the risk of falling down stairs or pain continuously walking up and down the stairs.

Clogged gutters can lead to problems such as water seeping into the walls, erosion, weakening foundations, and more. As you get older, cleaning gutters can become challenging, especially if you’re facing mobility limitations. Replacing your old gutters with low-maintenance ones save you money in the long-run as you spend less on hiring professionals to clean them.

Choosing durable and easy-to-clean finishes and materials is a great way to reduce the physical exertion of maintaining your property.

Here are a few examples of fixtures and materials that are ideal for older individuals:

  • Quartz countertops: Quartz is not only beautiful but also stain resistant, easy-to-clean, and durable.
  • Lever faucets: Pull handles are more accessible for people with arthritis or limited hand strength.
  • Wall-mounted sinks: When sinks are mounted to the wall, you have additional leg space for wheelchair accessibility.
  • Pull-out shelving: Lowered cabinets can be a hassle when you need to bend over constantly to retrieve items. They can also be more challenging to open and close if you’re using a wheelchair.
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Aging In Place Home Design

The accessibility features that help you may differ from those that could be beneficial for other occupants in the home. If you struggle with arthritis, lever handles on doors and fixtures could be helpful. In contrast, if your partner has visual impairments such as cataracts, improved lighting might be more useful for them. The following are different aging in place home modifications:

Climbing up and down the stairs is a common struggle for older adults. Home elevators are smaller versions of commercial elevators that get installed directly into your home. While installing a home elevator can be costly, it’s a more affordable option than building or buying a new bungalow or ranch-style home.

Stair lifts attach to the side of the stairs and runs on a motorized track. These devices enable people to ride up and down the stairs in a seated position. Types of stair lifts include straight, curved, and outdoor models.

Stair lifts typically come with the following features:

  • Adjustable seating
  • Armrests
  • Footrests
  • Remotes
  • Speed controls
  • Seat belts

Aging in place lighting involves brightening your home with natural light, recessed lighting, dimmer options, and more. Colour selection is also crucial for enhancing brightness. Cooler colours, such as light blues, can boost contrast. Adequate lighting, combined with contrasting wall, floor, and fixture colours, helps people with visual impairments navigate the space safely. Another great home modification to age in place is having lights that are always on in the dark.

Aging In Place Bathroom Design

Bathroom designs to age in place range from minor adjustments to full remodels. The following are renovations that Top Home Builders not only recommend but provide to age in place:

Curb-Less Showers

A curb-less shower, also known as a barrier-free shower, is both modern and accessible. Curbs typically help keep the water within the shower without flowing out onto the bathroom. Without the barrier, individuals in wheelchairs or those with mobility limitations can access the shower more easily.

Walk-In Tub

A walk-in tub offers the perfect combination of comfort and safety. Unlike traditional tubs where you have to step over the edge to get in, a walk-in tub features a built-in watertight door that you use to enter and exit. As an extra benefit, you can customize your walk-in tub with seating, jets, and handheld spray handles, enhancing both your comfort and accessibility.

Raised Toilet Seats

Including raised toilet seats in your bathrooms is a valuable renovation for those who want to age in place. The raised height decreases the strain on people’s knees and joints, supports independence, and reduces the risk of falls. Raised toilet seats are a simple installation and are available in various heights and styles to accommodate various needs and preferences.

Smart Home Upgrades for Aging in Place

Smart home technology can be built into almost every part of the home, from doorbells and security cameras to smart ovens and thermostats. Having smart home upgrades is convenient and enhances your safety as you age. Here are examples of how you can include smart home products in your aging in place design:

  • Doorbells: Smart doorbells can send you alerts notifying you of visitors as well as send you video footage. Some doorbells also have two-way communication, which means you can let in guests without having to walk to the entryway.
  • Locks: Lock and unlock your doors from anywhere in the home. This eliminates the need to walk to each door at the end of a long day, which can be straining on older individuals.
  • Cameras: Connect your cameras to your devices to spot security threats easily and take immediate action. Some smart home security cameras also have the option to connect to your family’s phones.
  • Light Switches: Installing smart home light switches should definitely be at the top of your aging in place checklist. Smart switches can be activated by your connected devices or through voice commands.
  • Smart Stoves: A smart oven or stove can be programmed to shut off automatically after a certain amount of time and can be turned off remotely. Smart stoves prevent fires caused by leaving the stovetop on for extended periods.
  • Thermostats: You can control a smart thermostat with your phone to maintain comfortable temperatures and monitor air quality from anywhere. Smart thermostats can also learn personal preferences and automatically regulate the temperature.

When To Start Aging in Place Renovations

The ideal time to start your renovation is before it’s needed. Accidents and health complications can occur unexpectedly as you age. Preparing your home with accessibility upgrades ensures quality work and potentially saves you money by avoiding rushed jobs.

Another good time to begin your remodel to age in place is when you’re building a custom home or performing a full home renovation. This is the opportune time because you can include the remodel costs into your existing project, avoiding future expenses.

checklist for elderly living alone

Related Article: Home Additions That Increase Home Value

How To Start Aging in Place Home Modifications

Start your home remodeling project by first evaluating your needs. You can then consult with your primary healthcare provider or an occupational therapist to help you assess your home and make remodeling suggestions. If you need help creating your age in place checklist, contact Top Home Builders for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best style of home for aging in place is a ranch-style home. A close second is a bungalow. The primary advantage these two properties have in common is that they each have one floor. While two-storey and three-storey homes are fully capable of accommodating accessibility features, they can be more challenging and expensive.

Every remodeling project will vary in cost depending on the contractors you partner with, materials you use, and the extent of the renovation. Staying within budget doesn’t have to be a struggle, especially when you’re working with a reputable company such as Top Home Builders.

The key to establishing and adhering to a budget is setting realistic goals based on your needs and desires. Here are a few simple tips to staying within budget:

  • Prioritize: Make a list of the most important accessibility features and put them at the top of your budget. This may include renovating the bathrooms, such as installing walk-in showers, adding non-slip flooring, and putting in comfort-height toilets.
  • Compare prices: Compare prices from various suppliers for materials, appliances, and fixtures. If you work with Top Home Builders, we can help you find cost-effective alternatives without compromising on quality.
  • Avoid major construction: The cost of your remodel can rise significantly if you choose to relocate or reroute your plumbing systems. When possible, work within your home’s existing layout.
  • Hire professionals: Partner with experienced professionals such as Top Home Builders for efficient and mistake-free design and remodel.