6 Common Aging-in-Place Projects and Why Homeowners Do Them

If you have elderly family members living in your home, certain measures must be made to accommodate their needs. One of these measures is an aging-in-place remodeling project that can help them get around the house, especially if they are not as nimble as they used to be.

In this post, Handyman Connection® of Rockville discusses six common aging-in-place projects and why you should consider them.

1. Grab Bars – According to surveys from the Remodeling Market Index, grab bars are the most popular aging-in-place project, with 89% of homeowners having them installed in their homes. This is because they’re the easiest investment with the biggest results; most seniors only need to grab them to move around and improve stability, especially if they’re in a place where they can easily slip, such as the shower.

2. Higher Toilets – At 85%, higher toilet installations are the second most popular aging-in-place project for homeowners. Not only can the toilets be used by all members of the household but they also provide safety and relief for the elderly, since higher toilets help them gain traction on the floor and relieve their joints of any added pressure.

3. Curbless Showers – Since numerous households have several generations living under the same roof, curbless showers are becoming more popular than ever. Like higher toilets, this aging-in-place remodeling project can be used by all ages, but it also makes things easier for your elderly family members. This is because they no longer have to step over a curb and risk tripping and falling in the shower.

4. Wider Doorways – Wider doorways is a boon for every household with relatives in wheelchairs, and not just the elderly. This aging-in-place project eliminates the struggle of having to fit a wheelchair through a crowded doorway or having to go into the next room one person at a time.

5. Added Lighting – Good lighting is crucial for seniors with failing eyesight, as it reduces the risk of falls or bumping into objects. With that in mind, homeowners are now installing the latest lighting tech, such as motion-sensing lights, touch lamps and automatic night lights, to name a few.

6. Ramps – Once again, ramps are a good thing to have in your home if you have relatives in wheelchairs. These allow them to go in and out of the home easier and lend them a sense of independence that they feel they might have lost.

There are various reasons why homeowners are having aging-in-place projects done in their homes, apart from providing for their elderly family members. One such reason is to plan for their future needs, in the event that they themselves need it when they become older. Non-age related disabilities are also another reason for the sudden spike in demand for aging-in-place projects, though not as prominent a reason as the first two are.

Turn to Handyman Connection of Rockville for your home improvement needs. We are your number one provider of home remodeling and aging-in-place services. Give us a call at (301) 453-2090 or fill out our contact form to request an estimate.