A “forever house” can accommodate the changing needs of aging family members or members with mobility issues. Today, there are many reference points for those wanting to create better homes for their loved ones. Our remodeling experts at DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Hollywood explain a few of these concepts below.
Accessibility & Mobility
In a forever house, a lot of focus is placed on accessibility to allow wheelchair users and others with disabilities enough freedom to carry out their day-to-day activities. We suggest minimizing steps within your interior and replacing them with ramps if possible. Keeping everything on one level goes a long way toward keeping all parts of a home accessible to people with mobility issues.
Doorways & Cabinets
People who rely on wheelchairs also need a much larger clearance in entryways. Talk to professional interior remodeling contractors about expanding doors to accommodate this need. In addition to building wider doorways, certain parts of the home can be adjusted to better suit a person in a wheelchair. This means lowering cabinets and shelves and redesigning kitchen counters to be at a more accessible height.
Bathroom Accessibility
Slippery floors are the #1 cause of injury for aging family members. In a forever house, anti-slip flooring materials are used in bathrooms to minimize the risk of falling. Grab bars are also placed strategically, not just in the toilet and bath, but also throughout the home to provide additional support. Finally, bathtubs are axed in favor of accessible showers to further improve safety.
All on One Floor
Keep bedrooms and other important areas in your home on the same floor as much as possible. A kitchen renovation with lowered counters and cabinets will also help provide access. In homes with two or more stories, you can incorporate a stairlift to reduce the risk of falling when going up or down the stairs. Small enhancements might seem unnecessary but they can make a world of difference in the comfort of your loved ones.
Design Your Dream Home With DreamMaker
Explore more accessibility ideas with the help of our skilled team of builders and designers at DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Hollywood. We are your leading local provider of aging-in-place and mobility solutions for home remodeling. Give us a call at (305) 925-5999 or fill out our contact form to start a conversation today!
