Homeowners should always choose or design a home based on the future. When they plan on spending the rest of their lives in a new home or have disabilities, the home’s design becomes exceedingly more important.
We are Certified Aging in Place (CAPS) builders and have built and renovated several homes to fit the needs of our clients. Everyone should feel comfortable and safe in their own homes and we aim to give that to every person and family we work with.
Each home looks different, depending on the requirements and space we are given, but there are several common features for every Aging in Place home. Whether planning for yourself, a parent, or another loved one, these six features will help you understand the changes you’ll need in your home.
Curbless Showers
Remove bathroom obstacles with a curbless shower for easy wheelchair, walker, or limited mobility access. The sloped, water-proofed floor will direct water down the drain and keep your bathroom from getting too wet and slippery. You can also add heated flooring for extra comfort and luxury.
Bathroom Benches
Benches in the shower and near the counter/vanity can add an extra level of comfort for anyone using the bathroom. Use movable benches or get seats that fold along the wall for additional space when not in use. Avoid slips and falls both in the shower and out.
Handheld Showers
Handheld showers and bathroom benches go hand-in-hand. Use a movable shower head for easier access and to give your loved ones the option to shower without someone helping to hold them under the spray. Install a shower head along with your handheld shower for more showering options.
Grab Bars
Grab bars can help prevent falls on slippery shower floors and give the extra support and security needed to enjoy a nice, long shower. These features come in many designs and styles, so find a grab bar that suits your bathroom decor and fits your needs.
Railings
Some bathrooms can’t be renovated to provide easy access to showers and tubs. Railings provide the necessary support for these situations and give security when getting in and out of the shower or tub. Like grab bars, these come in many styles to match with your bathroom instead of standing out.
Door Levers, Lever Faucets, Touchless Faucets, and Pullouts
When arthritis makes grasping and holding painful and often impossible, traditional knobs and faucets no longer work. Using levers and pullouts instead can ease the strain on hands and return strength to fingers. Make every part of the house more accessible with these better options.
These are the most popular and useful features, but definitely not the only options. Stair lights, elevators, smart appliances, and more can make your home a safer and more accessible place for your loved ones.
Do you have a feature you would want or recommend for an Aging in Place home?
integrityremodelingandcustomhomes 