With a bit of advanced planning as well as mobility and bathroom remodeling, you can realize your dream of living independently in your home well into your golden years. In fact, the AARP reports 80 percent of older Americans are realizing this goal.
An important part of the planning phase is to identify and remove barriers to aging in place. Common barriers include:
1. Lack of Accessibility
A simple task like climbing the stairs gets harder—and more dangerous—as you grow older. That’s why home and bathroom remodelers recommend relocating the master bedroom and bathroom to the main floor. Alternatively, you can install an electric stairlift that can provide a sense of security and reduce the risk of a fall down the stairs.
2. Narrow Doors & Hallways
Older Americans often need to use mobility devices such as wheelchairs and walkers, which might not fit through conventional doors and hallways (a wheelchair is about 24 to 27 inches wide while a standard residential doorway will be 28 to 32 inches wide). The National Association of Home Builders recommends a doorway width of at least 32 inches, while the Americans with Disabilities Act recommends a hallway width of about 48 inches.
3. Slippery Flooring
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of injury among Americans aged 65 and above. That’s why non-slip flooring is a must for any age- and mobility-friendly home. Soft carpeting is a popular option. High-quality carpeting with a carpet pad underneath it can cushion falls. It also feels comfortable underfoot. However, one drawback is that wheelchairs won’t be able to pass over carpeting as easily as hardwood floors.
Cork flooring is a popular alternative. It’s hard enough to support wheelchairs and provides enough cushion for falls. Plus, it feels warm underfoot. To learn more about your flooring options, consult the remodelers at DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Aiken.
4. Ill-Suited Home Design
One of the biggest barriers to aging in place is a home design that’s just not suited to seniors. Fortunately, our remodelers can help you with that. We recommend using a universal design concept when remodeling your home to make it accessible to everyone, regardless of physical limitations.
Let’s Start a Conversation!
DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Aiken offers a wide range of professional remodeling services, including kitchen and bathroom renovation services. To get started with a no-obligation consultation, call us at (803) 335-1758 or fill out our contact form. We serve homeowners in Beech Island, SC, and the surrounding communities, including North Augusta and Graniteville.
