It’s very likely your home was not built for anyone who needed to use a wheelchair or who had limited physical abilities. Which is why one of your most important pre-retirement goals should be having your home ready to “age in place”. Most of us want to live independently in our own homes for as long as possible. Renovations for safety, convenience, accessibility and mobility should be phased into your home before you need them.
Here are three ways to begin preparing your home to accommodate a myriad of needs due to physical aging resulting in limited capabilities.
- Create a “flex” room.
Remodeling a main level bedroom with hardwood floors and recessed lighting is great for a home office or children’s play space. Later on, you can convert it for either your personal bedroom and it will already have the right flooring and lighting. Ideally, you should also go ahead and add/update an en-suite bathroom with a low or minimized shower threshold for starters. - Update little things.
Swapping out electrical switches for rockers and replacing door knobs with levers are two ways to give your home a more modern look and allow for ease of use later. Bathroom and kitchen faucets with lever handles or are touchless are minor changes that have major benefits for young and old people alike. Installing a shower system with an adjustable head, hose and temperature controls allow for convenience no matter your age but will be very useful later. - Replace flooring.
Start in the main areas of your home for better mobility later on. Make sure all surfaces are slip resistant and low maintenance which are also very important for your current lifestyle. The next flooring updates should focus on bedrooms and bathrooms where a person may spend a great deal of time recovering from surgery or illness.
These are only a few of the remodeling suggestions as you prepare to age in place. Anytime you are considering a remodeling contractor, be sure to check them out thoroughly. We have earned the trust of our customers in the Atlanta metro area for over 70 years. We will treat your decisions with the utmost care and concern. Please contact us if you’re thinking about your options to age in place or if you have an aging loved one who is coming to live with you or visits frequently.
