According to a survey done by AARP, roughly 90% of American seniors prefer living at home rather than transferring to institutional care. However, despite the clamor to age in place, only one percent of homes are deemed accessible or have features to help accommodate the physical limitations that many elderly individuals have. This underscores the importance of renovating living spaces to make them safer and more comfortable.
Local accessible remodeling contractor DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Northwest DC explains the benefits of aging in place and the home modifications to consider.
What Are the Benefits of Aging in Place?
When elderly adults get to the point they need assistance from others to accomplish daily tasks, total independence may no longer be possible. That’s why many of them relocate to an institutional setting. However, with help from family, friends, and professional caregivers, seniors can maintain aspects of independence while still living at home. This way, they can live their lives as they see fit and have control over their life decisions and activities.
Whether you are planning for the future or living with an elderly loved one, aging in place helps promote safety, comfort and independence. The best part of all this is that it also fosters a strong bond between seniors and their families and friends. Spending time with your loved ones has plenty of health benefits, from lowering their risk for developing certain diseases to boosting feelings of happiness.
What Type of Modifications Do You Need?
Before getting a bathroom estimate or kitchen quote, be sure to consider these tips to help you achieve aging-in-place-friendly living spaces:
- Kitchen. From adjustable upper cabinets to lowered countertops, wheelchair-bound seniors can reach for items and prepare dishes independently.
- Bathroom. An accessible bathroom helps ensure the safety and independence of everyone using it, including the elderly. Consider installing grab bars and wall-mounted shower seats that can withstand at least 250 pounds. Adjustable-height showerhead with a handheld wand is also a good addition.
- Bedroom. Whether it’s for sleeping or watching television, people spend most of their time in their bedrooms. Thus, make sure that the doorways are wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair or walker and that the handles are easy to grip. A low-profile bed with a bed rail makes it easier to get in and out of bed. Meanwhile, installing open closets with access to shelving and pull-down rods makes getting dressed easier.
- Other considerations. If you have at least a second floor, it would be beneficial to install a stair lift to minimize injuries among the elderly in the household. It is also a good idea to replace area rugs and carpets with smooth, non-slip surfaces such as cork or rubber.
Let’s Start a Conversation!
Still looking up “home remodeler near me online? You don’t have to do it once you get in touch with the experienced design team at DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Northwest DC. We can help you create safe, functional, and beautiful living spaces that fit every season of your life through our Independence by Design™ services.
Call us today at (202) 933-7196, or fill out our online contact form to schedule an appointment. We proudly serve residents in Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Arlington, McLean, Georgetown, Woodley Park, Friendship Heights, Glover Park, Cleveland Park, The Palisades, Donaldson Run, Bluemont, Lyon Village, and Glen Echo.
