Aging in Place Renovations Tips and Ideas

Watching a loved one get older is hard. You constantly worry about their health and their safety. That’s why you want to choose a home contractor for seniors in Lake Oswego you can trust when putting in aging in place updates to a home. While most general contractors are skilled and knowledgeable in the basics of construction, it takes a special one to understand the unique needs of the elderly. You want to choose a contractor who can offer easy and durable solutions that will improve the quality of your loved one’s life.

What is Aging In Place?

Not everyone can live at home as they get older. However, for those that can, aging in place renovations allow them to live at home more comfortably and, more importantly, safely. It is making updates and renovations to a home so that an elderly person is able to navigate and go about their life independently. There are many ways that you can update a home for this purpose, and most likely some that you never considered before.

Benefits of Aging in Place

Aging in place is a wonderful option, if you have the opportunity for your loved one to do it. For one, despite the cost of renovations, it’s a more affordable option than a nursing home. The monthly payments can rack up, while the upgrades are a one-time cost. Your loved one will be able to spend their time at home, which is comfortable and inviting. Studies have shown that living at home also slows memory loss, most likely because they are living in familiar surroundings. The bottom line is that they are able to be more independent and make their own life-decisions if they are able to live at home.

Bathroom Remodeling

The bathroom is the number one place for seniors to get hurt. It makes sense, since there is water and tile, which can be a dangerous combination. There are plenty of potential aging in place upgrades to make in the bathroom. One of the most important is a walk-in shower. That way they won’t have to step over the edge of the tub when getting in and out. You can also place bars around the room for them to hold on to and protect themselves with falling. You can also invest in no-slip flooring in the tub. An anti-scald device can be installed so that the hot water doesn’t get too hot. Bathrooms also tend to be tight spaces, and sometimes the doors are even smaller than the other doors in the home. Consider widening the door and reconfiguring the space for wheelchair access and use.

Kitchen

The kitchen is another place where slips and falls are common. However, upgrades here tend to focus on convenience and comfort. Kitchen are designed with people in mind who can stand and move about easily. They can reach upper cabinets and bend down to get in lower ones. Plus ovens often have controls that are behind the cooktop. Consider getting a cooktop with controls at the front of the appliance. They can be built into the counter, and they won’t need to reach and risk burning themselves.

You can also install adjustable food preparation and eating areas. That way they can either stand or sit to prepare food. Revolver corner stations make for efficient use of spaces and make it easy for your loved one to access. Pull out shelves will also make it easier, since they will not have to reach to get something in the back.

General Upgrades

There are other general upgrades you can make around the house that will increase their comfort and safety. For instance, better lighting throughout the home, including lower switches and higher outlets. You can install a stairlift so that they can get up and down the stairs comfortably. Many elderly folks do not want to answer the door if they don’t have to, so a door camera will tell them if it’s a friendly visit or a salesperson. Pocket doors are very handy as opening traditional doors can become difficult for those in a wheelchair.