Age In Place Modification Services

Life experience tells us that accidents and illness can happen at any age. A sudden stroke, broken bone, or an elderly parent coming to stay; all place demands on the design-function of our home. Adding a downstairs bedroom/bath to original floorplans as an alternative to climbing stairs, or replacing a tub with a walk-in shower during a bath renovation (eliminating the challenge of getting legs up and over) all add to the longevity of your homes functionality.

Some of the reasons why many people believe they need to move to the safety of assisted living or a nursing home are; surgery or illness and fear of falling which can lead to an inability to navigate and safely use traditional bathroom fixtures.  For many of these individuals, tubs and showers can suddenly become impossible to enter, vanities can be inaccessible to those confined to wheelchairs and walkers …toilets are way too low for comfortable and safe use.

Making a home safe starts at the driveway and carries through to the front door and throughout the home.  Adequate space to enter and exit a vehicle, a safe walkway with hand rails and lighting are the beginning.  Wide halls and doors, no thresholds between rooms, cabinet door and drawer pulls that won’t snag clothing, conveniently placed light switches and receptacles and even changes to kitchen appliances all have a direct impact on the safety of a home.

By now, most understand the term Aging in Place refers to the ability to remain in one’s own home forever – if possible.  When we compare the cost of even a pretty major bathroom modification averaging $9,000 – $12,000 and consider the $50,000 to $60,000 per year cost of an assisted living facility and up to $100,000 per year for a nursing home bed; it becomes crystal clear that it certainly pays to retrofit our own home if that is where we wish to spend the rest of our life.  Moreover, right now is the time to begin applying small changes that will surely make any home-sweet-home a safe haven for visitors and residents alike.

Costs of renovating are always a consideration and some products and solutions carry a hefty price tag.  Having good, budget-conscious advice and the right Contractor can go a long way to making the most out of an Age-in-Place renovation.

Studies have shown that as we age, we are happier if we move less often and especially is we are able to stay in our own home.

Making accessibility changes in your living environment can delay the need for assisted living or nursing home placement indefinitely.  It’s understandable why people do not commonly choose to leave behind familiar settings, friends, neighbors and community support. In addition, being forced to leave one’s own home undermines important and meaningful feelings of dignity and results in a perceived loss of personal control that affects quality of life and a sense of independence needed to maintain a feeling of security.  Have that security and comfort at home by choosing “Age In Place” modifications.

One of the biggest myths about making a home safe for aging is that the adaptive products will stand out and have an “institutional” appearance.  Clumsy grab bars placed around the home, ramps and threshold covers that look out of place and 4” thick toilet seat covers have given the “Age in Place” home a bad image.  The truth is a home can be made safe and accessible for anyone at any age without having an obvious institutional appearance.

The industry has embraced consumers’ needs for variety, especially for home modification needs.  In fact, there are so many choices on the market, that it’s fairly simple to plan a renovation or design a new house appointed for needs that may arise over a span of many, many years.  Choose the options that are best for your budget, your taste, and your lifestyle.

And finally, as a practical matter, even if we ever do choose to move and sell our home at some point, we have increased the value and marketability of a home by choosing universal features and fixtures.  Having an easily accessible home literally opens the doors for all consumers and might even be sought after with a larger older population.