For many seniors, living independently at home is a less expensive and much more welcome alternative to moving to a senior center. However, the design of our homes does not address the accessibility issues that sometimes arise with aging. Older people may have some difficulties in carrying out daily activities due to stairs, hard-to-reach switches and cabinets, bathroom fixtures that are too awkward, or narrow hallways and doors.
Some of these barriers, however, can be removed without major home repairs or big impact on your budget. In general, adapting the space in a home to accommodate an older resident must have enough space for a wheelchair or walker. This includes wide hallways and doorways, wide baseboards, and tight counter heights.
Here are some specific ideas to keep in mind when remodeling for the future…
BATHROOM:
• Install a bin that hangs over the edge of the vanity to accommodate a wheelchair.
• Install a single-handle faucet with a retractable spout for easier reach.
• Have a mirror that tilts forward, for comfortable use by a wheelchair user.
• Provide a side-entry tub or convert your existing tub and install a height-adjustable showerhead.
• Install bracing behind walls for grab bars, especially in tub/shower and toilet areas. If you’re remodeling the bathroom and tearing out tiles around the tub, then it’s a logical time to reinforce the grab bars.
• Install faucets with single handle controls or infrared sensors.
• Buy a custom toilet or upgrade an existing toilet to raise the seat 17 inches off the floor.
• Include a large roll-in shower with a seat, separate tub and shower, or replace the tub/shower combination with a shower only.
KITCHEN:
• When planning a new kitchen for independent living, choose carefully where you will place the appliances.
• Install the wall oven higher from the floor and a front control range.
• Install microwave oven at or below counter level. Also allow recessed space under the kitchen sink.
• Look for a sink that is 4 inches deep instead of the standard 7-inch depth, and consider a side-by-side refrigerator and freezer so you don’t have to reach, bend, or stoop to get into either.
• Organize cabinets for easy access to heavy items.
• Choose cabinets with pull-out shelves, record players, or Lazy Susans on the cabinets.
• Provide lower countertops with higher foot space to accommodate wheelchair users.
• Use large handles on cabinets to make them easier for people with arthritic hands to open and close.
• Make sure knee clearances are at least 30 inches wide, ideally 36 inches. The clearance should also be 27 inches high and 19 inches deep.
• It may be necessary to install additional electrical outlets conveniently located.
HEATING AND COOLING:
This is very important for the comfort of the area. If you’re remodeling a separate suite, like a basement or garage, there are great options when it comes to heating and cooling. They can range from adding a gas or electric fireplace or installing an underfloor heating system. There are systems on the market for almost any type of heating upgrade application. Electric underfloor heating systems can be installed under floor coverings such as ceramic, natural stone or floating laminate. A ductless air conditioning heat pump system, such as the Mitsubishi Mr Slim unit, is ideal when there are no ducts.