Most older adults want to remain in their own homes as they age, preferring low-cost comfort, convenience and familiarity over the more luxurious amenities offered by active senior communities and other high-end housing options.
As evidence of this trend, more Baby Boomers made home renovation a priority in 2019, according to a newly released survey by Houzz. This buying population also spent the most — a median of $15,000 — on home renovation projects last year.
With the last of the Baby Boomer generation turning 65 by 2030, now’s the time for finding solutions to age in place — or better yet, thrive in place.
Trust Central Construction Group, a licensed, full-service residential general contractor serving Hamilton County and the greater Indianapolis area, to modify your home with high-quality upgrades for long-term safety and accessibility.
We compiled a few kitchen, bathroom and whole-house remodeling ideas to ponder for inspiration.
Grab bars
While often used in universal design bathrooms, grab bars in various styles and lengths add a safety feature to any room in the home, and provide better access to those with physical impairments.
Install grab bars in hallways, along kitchen cabinetry, from bedrooms to bathrooms and more, to keep loved ones safe as they move throughout the house.
Door handles
Doorknobs, much like those pesky medicine bottles, get more difficult to turn as we age and start to struggle with stiff, aching hands.
Door handles with lever mechanisms open and close more easily, and add a new design element to the aesthetics of your abode.
Wider doorways
To meet requirements established by the American Disabilities Act, doorways need to be at least 32-inches wide and open a full 90 degrees.
However, customers often prefer wider 36-inch doorways for better safety and easier access to the most-used rooms in the home.
Higher toilets, lower counters
Embarking on a bathroom remodeling project provides ample opportunity to install toilets and bathroom counters at more accommodating heights.
Installing a higher toilet makes it easier to get up and down, and lowering sinks and countertops gives better access when performing daily hygiene tasks from the seat of a wheelchair.
Drawer storage vs. cabinet doors
Gain better accessibility in the kitchen by installing pull-out drawers in lower cabinets, rather than standard cabinet doors.
Hide the kitchen trash can and recycling bin in a rolling pull-out drawer, or easily organize spice racks, dishes, nonperishable foods, pots and pans, and more.
Drawers with easy-touch opening and closing mechanisms give you the freedom to spend as much time as you want in your favorite room of the house — without the fear of falling off a stepping stool.
Non-Slip Floors
Keep the flooring material consistent, so it’s the same level throughout, to better accommodate wheelchairs and remove potential tripping hazards.
Replacing carpet with hardwood or luxury vinyl flooring offers easier navigation and lasts longer.
Contact CCG today
Need home remodeling advice on how to safely stay in your home and thrive? Contact CCG today and let our 10 years of experience guide you. We excel at helping you pick the right materials and managing your construction project from start to finish. Call us at (317) 213-6246.
