Home Remodeling Tips for Aging In Place

Senior citizens can live at home in comfort and style

Unlike previous generations who often preferred the leisurely pace of retirement communities, many of today’s seniors are choosing to “age in place,” or to stay in the residence of their choice for as long as they are able. Many remain at home to enjoy the freedom and comfort of being near friends, family, and their community.

If you or a loved one is considering aging in place, you’re probably also thinking about remodeling your home. Updates to your kitchen, bathroom and other living spaces can help to improve accessibility and overall usability. With proper planning, your home can serve you well in the next chapter of your life.

First, consider how your health and needs may change as you age. Your vision and hearing may decline, and you may have mobility issues. This can include difficulty navigating stairs or climbing into a bathtub. You may need a walker or wheelchair, and be at greater risk for falls.

At Bernhardt’s Remodeling Center, we have helped many of our customers update their homes to allow for safer—and more enjoyable—living conditions throughout their golden years. To assist you in your planning, we have compiled some common remodeling ideas to help prepare your home.

Add lighting

Update or add light fixtures to poorly lit areas to help decrease the risk of falls. LED lighting under cabinetry is a great way to light up countertop spaces and improve visibility.

Replace doorknobs and handles

Replace fixtures with bar- or lever-style handles, which are easier to use for people with arthritis or grip issues. Sliding or self-closing drawers can be helpful for those with mobility issues.

Update the bathroom

A walk-in shower can help to improve accessibility. Add hand railings, a shower chair or bench, or change out the tub for a curb-free shower. Make sure hand railings are installed correctly and can hold your weight. You can also adjust the height of your toilet. Purchasing a height appropriate toilet or seat extender can increase comfort and put less stress on your muscles, joints and back. Touchless faucets can help those with arthritis.

Upgrade the kitchen

Raising a dishwasher a few inches can ease the strain on your lower back and provide comfort when bending over. A cut-out area underneath a kitchen or bathroom sink offers space for a wheelchair. Lowering countertops and cabinetry, or adding pull-out shelves, can also reduce strain and improve accessibility. Countertops with rounded corners prevent harm from sharp or jagged edges.

Increase accessibility

For mobility aids, such as a walker or wheelchair, widening doorways is a necessary home modification. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements for wheelchair accessibility state that doorways must be a minimum of 32 inches wide. Pocket doors or swing-away offset hinges can provide additional clearance, while ramps can ease entry.

Work with us

At Bernhardt’s Remodeling Center, we are committed to treating each customer the way we would like to be treated. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional service at every step of a project, with the utmost courtesy and professionalism. No project is too big or small for us. Learn more about what it’s like to work with us and read what our customers have to say, then contact us to schedule your free design consultation.