Our country’s population is aging and the baby boomers are looking to enjoy their retirement years. Many of these retiring seniors desire to continue living independently in their current home and avoid an assistance living residence as long as possible.
Consequently, there has been an increasing demand for aging in place remodeling. Aging in place remodeling means your home has been updated so that you can stay in your home as long as possible. Some of the most frequent benefits mentioned for this trend are:
- It’s more affordable; much less expensive than assisted living residences
- Its’s more comfortable; living in a space that has been your “comfort and secure zone”
- It can extend individuals’ life span; some studies indicate life expectancy is decreased when a senior moves into a nursing home care facility.
If planned properly, this trend can not only be good for your home, it could enhance your quality of life in your retirement years.
As it turns out, according to a 2016 report by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard, “Older people have the highest rate of homeownership in the Country – about 80%.” “The great majority live in single family homes, most of them poorly suited for disabilities common in later life.”
If you have plans to update your kitchen or bathroom in the near future, and you are a candidate for aging in place living, you may want to consider the latest in aging in place remodeling.
In a recent article in Pro-Remodeler Magazine, “Homeowners want safe functionality, but don’t want to give up attractive design, notes “Mary Jo Peterson, CAPS, on behalf of Delta Faucet. “The ultimate design goal starts with emphasis on user-friendly products with a great aesthetic that is easy to maintain. Products must be easy to grip or grasp, easy to understand and operate…”
She says open floor plans continue to be the trend as they provide a flexible space that can change as occupants’ need changes, remodelers concentrate on baths and kitchens. “Other aspects to consider in terms of aesthetic are lighting and vision,” says Peterson, “Not only must the room be lit well, but the products in the room must be a color and finish that will reflect light without creating a glare.
Other frequent concerns that should be considered for aging in place comfort and safety are:
- Same level entries, no steps
- Main living quarters on main floor
- Doorways and hallways wide enough for a wheel chair
- Adult height toilets
- Grab bars in bathrooms
- Light switches and electrical outlets that are accessible from a wheel chair
- More lighting
- Door hardware with levered style handles
If you would like to discuss the potential for preparing your home for aging in place, give us a call at
J.L. Tippett Construction Company for a free initial consultation