For elderly homeowners who are interested in aging in place, there are important questions that have to be considered. Can your home offer the safety you need as get older? What changes should be made to guarantee you’re able to go about your life comfortably? When people start thinking about these matters, the issue of the bathtub invariably comes up. No matter how you look at it, a bathroom remodel that delivers a walk-in tub is an important consideration that could allow you to stay in your home.

Older bathtubs create so many potential health hazards. The first, and scariest, is the difficulty of stepping in and out of a standard tub. It’s hard to imagine aging in place when you put your health at risk every single time you bathe. If you’re able to step casually into your tub and then stay seated throughout your shower, that risk is eliminated.

A bathroom remodel that delivers an easy-access bathtub also decreases the strain you put on your body while showering. Standing for long periods of time and working to hold yourself up while reaching for different hygiene products can take its toll. Newer tubs feel more spacious and allow you to stay in a comfortable position while you wash.

It’s worth remembering that comfort is just as important as safety when you bring in a contractor to do a bathroom remodel. You should find the fixtures that work best for you and will make your life the most enjoyable. The goal is not just to stay in the same house during the later years of your life, but to enjoy those years as much as possible.

Aging in place is something elderly citizens should be able to do if that’s what they desire. By having the right remodeling work done, you can create a space that meets your needs and allows you to age comfortably.

Many older adults would like to remain in their homes as they age. Aging in place is possible with some changes which will increase accessibility and decrease the possibility of accidents and injuries.  Here are some tips to make your home more accessible for older adults with disabilities.

Modify Doors

Doors are often a major hindrance to wheelchair access.  An entryway ramp can allow access into the house. You should consider widening doors to at least 36 inches to allow room for a wheelchair. Levers are often easier to use than a round door handle. Zero threshold doors can improve access and prevent falls for those using walkers.

Remodel Bathrooms

Bathrooms are often the most likely place for accidents to occur. A handicap access bathroom on the main floor can help prevent slips, falls, and other injuries. A curbless shower with a non-slip floor can be used by anyone. A floating sink can allow a wheelchair to be pulled underneath for full access. Grab bars and handrails around the shower, tub, and toilet can provide a safe way to access all facilities. Installing fixtures near handrails and within reach makes it easier to use faucets.

Adapt Your Kitchen

The first step in adapting a kitchen to allow for aging in place should be to allow enough clearance for wheelchairs to move around cabinets and islands. Consider lower counters with open space underneath so a wheelchair can be pulled up to the counter. Microwaves and toaster ovens can be more accessible sitting on the counter top. Light fixtures can also be beneficial to increase visibility and improve maneuverability.

Conclusion

Small changes such as moving switches, adding light fixtures, and installing a Smart House system which can be accessed from smartphones and devices can provide major benefits without much cost. A stairlift can also provide access to a second floor for those not in a wheelchair. Aging in place can allow you to continue your lifestyle and relationships without losing your independence.

Cabinet refacing is a more popular and cheaper alternative to a complete replacement of your kitchen cabinets, allowing you to get a brand new kitchen look without the full cost of a kitchen remodel. With the variety of material and design options available for you to choose from, an experienced contractor can really turn around your older kitchen with a new look and feel that is more in line with what you envision for your home.

Match Pieces for a More Unified Look

Refacing the cabinets can involve a few separate elements, each with different levels of design implications. If you decide to change the cabinet door material or design, you might want to consider updated door handles to match the new look. Updating the drawers and drawer pulls to match those new cabinets can really pull together the whole kitchen. [Read more…]

Sometimes even able-bodied people have complaints about the structure and design of their homes. When an unfortunate turn of events or a chronic condition leads people to use wheelchairs, walkers or even crutches, those homes can become almost impossible to maneuver in. Disability remodeling of your home can save you from those frustrating days and lead to a much more fulfilling life with independence and freedom of movement.

Initial Home Evaluation

An experience contractor, sometimes with the help of an occupational therapist, can evaluate your home for possible improvements for differently-abled residents. You should provide input regarding your current use of your living space areas, so modifications aren’t made in areas in which you’re already comfortable. Your current physical condition and abilities should play a role in deciding where and how to make those modifications that you need. [Read more…]

Are you looking for unique elements to add to your home? Do you feel like the trends you find in home magazines are just a little too overdone? If you want something truly unique, why not consider custom woodworking? A design feature that works in a number of spaces, woodworking is unique, but must be used properly to get the desired effect.

The Right Home for Woodworking

When people think of custom woodworking, they often imagine traditional log cabins with gorgeous [Read more…]

It is never too early to consider how you will live in your twilight years. If you already own the home you plan to keep for the rest of your years, performing tasks related to aging in place remodeling will ensure you are prepared when the time comes.

Who Is Aging in Place For?

Elderly remodeling is important for several reasons. Perhaps your parents are getting older and can no longer handle caring for their own home as well as they once could. If you prefer not to go the route of [Read more…]

One of the largest components of a kitchen remodel is choosing the right cabinets. It may be tempting to choose a stock cabinet as a way to save money, but custom cabinets turn out to be the right option for many homeowners. Consider the reasons.

1. Customized to Your Home

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When you add any architectural design element like crown molding and wainscoting you automatically enhance your home’s appearance and pretty inexpensively, too. If you’re interested in upgrading your home on a budget, consider crown molding as a quick and easy way to bring your home to the next level and impress potential buyers.

Choose A Design

Crown molding is like the frame of a room. And just as you might find an overwhelming array of choices when you want to frame a photo, there are endless possibilities for crown molding. Designs can be as narrow as two inches or as wide as two feet, as simple as a plain curve or as intricate as millwork at a chateau.

[Read more…]