Aging in Place - Living comfortably in your home for many years to come! Good Afternoon!! It's a lovely Saturday and I'm really excited to talk to you today about Aging in Place. This is a concept centered around being able to live in your own home well into your twilight years . This could entail remodeling your home to fit your needs or starting from scratch. According to ageinplace.org, there are approximately 10,000 people turning 65 everyday. That means that by 2020, 45% of all homeowners will be 55 or older! There is definitely a need for this, and National Association of Home Builders estimates that 70% of all homeowners completing a remodel are planning for future needs.
So whether you are having a loved one come live with you, or you are planning for your own future, here are some tips to help out. Bathrooms - A walk in shower is ideal with no more than a 4" threshhold. A bench is recommended for comfort and utility. Single lever faucets and anti-scald devices should also be used to avoid burns. Grab bars help for getting in and out of the shower and for assistance on and off the toilet. It is also nice to have an open area under the vanity to provide room for a wheelchair or seat. An aesthetic option is keeping the doors on the vanity that may be opened when needed or you can simply have a stylish floating sink. Kitchens- Consider the layout - is it functional and accessible at the same time? Roll-out shelves in the cabinets add an easy way to grab items needed in a wheelchair or standing. Knobs are easier to open than handles and lowering the appliances may be helpful as well. The appliances should also have easy to read and use controls. Also consider pathway lighting to assist in movement at night, wider hallways and doorways, ground level additions, or even adding an elevator to help with multi-level houses. There is so much more I could say on this topic and, don't worry, I will! This is something that is near and dear to me and I do believe that people can have a full, safe life in their own home, no matter what age. Stay tuned for more!
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Hello!
I'm Anne! Follow me as I go through life as a new mom and soon-to-be wife. Always looking for a creative outlet, I want to share all my ideas with you here at Life by Design! Archives
February 2018
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