Homes will change in the coming years. And I'm not just talking about green building. As the population ages, more and more products and designs are being influenced by the needs of the elderly.
What can you do to get a jump on this?
Whether you need to renovate your own home or your parent's, these tips and ideas will help you with your planning. They will not only help make the home more livable for those in need, they will likely increase the home's value in the long term. People will always treasure their independence and it starts with their homes.
Most of the ideas presented are inexpensive and cost effective to incorporate, as well as easy for most handy people to do themselves.
Making the Mobility Challenged More Independent
Here are several ideas, in no particular order, that have proven to be advantageous for those whose mobility has made living more challenging. When simple things become difficult, it often requires only simple changes to remedy them.
BATHROOMS
- Taller toilets or raised toilet seats: This can be a quick and easy change. As the body gets weaker, there is a need to limit the distance and frequency with which joints bend.
- Grab bars: As we've seen in public restrooms, grab bars really help around the toilets. They are also very effective in the shower and tub areas.
- Shower improvements: Adding grab bars is one thing but it is also important to provide easy access, a chair to sit on, and a hand-held shower device that is easily reached from a sitting position.
- Wall Mounted Sink: This will make access from a wheelchair far easier. Take care to install at the proper height for a seated person. Also, it may be necessary to cover exposed pipes underneath the sink.
Improvement Home
KITCHEN
- Multi-level counter tops: If possible, it is a good idea to have a portion of the kitchen counters lowered to allow for kitchen work from a seated position. Changing cabinets to allow better access to silverware and other more commonly used items is a great idea as well.
- Space for wheelchair or scooter: Sometimes it becomes necessary to remove an island to create more open area for the maneuvering of wheelchairs.
- Lower the profile of upper cabinets: The highest shelves in the kitchen become just so much wasted space. Also, cabinets with roll-out shelves become far more useful.
THE HOME'S INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR
- Entry and exit door accessibility: Ramps to and from porches, decks, and entry doors are vital. These can be crafted from cement or wood normally and often require professional installation.
- Small threshold ramps: Very often small ramps from a porch or deck into the home are needed to ease a one or two inch bump which can be very awkward if in a scooter.
- Smoother but non-slick floors: The floor surface can be a problem. Thicker rugs make both walking and rolling difficult. Slick surfaces can be very dangerous when walking alone or with a can or walker.
- Wider doorways inside the home: Sometimes you'll have to build a wider doorway but very often you'll be able to simply change to off-set door hinges to allow doors to open a couple inches wider. Doors to bathrooms, bedrooms, and closets are the ones most often changed.
- Hand rails in hallways: Hallways can be dangerous as young children and pets often try to squeeze by. Hand railings can really add to the safety of maneuvering down the halls.
- Closet shelves and rods: Lowering the hanging rods will make them more accessible. A more extensive remodel would be to add hydraulic, movable shelving.
- Raise the floor outlets and lower the light switches: While not always a necessity, this can be a real advantage to some people in some homes.
Naturally, there are more things that can be done. I hope that this gives you a good start in your preparations to consider the handicap remodel for your home.
Professional Help
If your remodel is more extensive and costly, it pays to use the services of building industry professionals. As always, I support owner builders and encourage the use of a home building coach.
Whichever way you go, a home improvement that favors the elderly will be worth your efforts. Do your research, make wise additions, and you'll be ready for whatever comes your way as the years roll on.
You can learn so much more about home building and remodeling online. One great option is to take advantage of a very informative yet simple to follow *free* e-course that you can find by clicking here http://www.DreamHomeCreation.com You will also find other tips and tools, surveys, videos, and additional articles by Mel Inglima.
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