Renovations to Help You Age in Place Comfortably

As we grow older, many of us wish to remain in the comfort of our own homes. Aging in place has become an increasingly popular option for older adults who want to maintain their independence. With thoughtful home renovations, you can make your living space more accessible and comfortable for the years ahead.

Make the Kitchen Accessible

The kitchen is a central hub in the home, making it essential for it to remain functional and easy to navigate as you age. By implementing the right renovations, you can create a space that adapts to your changing needs over time.

Open Floor Plan

If possible, open up your kitchen layout to allow more room for mobility devices, such as walkers and wheelchairs. The work triangle, consisting of the sink, stove, and refrigerator, should be designed for efficient access with minimal steps between each area.

Drawers Instead of Doors

Opt for drawers instead of lower cabinet doors to store larger items like pots and pans. Drawers offer clear visibility and easier access to items, reducing the need to search through cabinets.

Drawers are a good option to store dishes, pots, and pans.

Pull-out Shelves

Pull-out shelves make it much easier to reach items in the back of deep cabinets without having to bend and stretch. With everything sliding out into view, they provide better accessibility and organization.

Appliances

A side-opening oven door can make a world of difference by providing easier and safer access to the oven. By reducing the need to reach over a hot door, it allows you to lift food out more comfortably and with greater stability. A built-in, lower-positioned microwave is also a smart choice because it allows for easy access with the need for reaching or lifting overhead.

An oven with a side-opening door provides easier access.

Create a Safe and Functional Bathroom

The bathroom is one of the most important areas to modify for safety and accessibility as you age. With a few key renovations, you can make it a more comfortable and secure space.

Zero-Threshold Shower

A zero-threshold shower allows you to enter without stepping over a high edge. Adding a bench seat in the shower along with a handheld showerhead enhances convenience and safety.

Zero-entry shower has no curb for easy and safe access.

Grab Bars

Strategically placed grab bars provide extra support and stability. Modern grab bars come in stylish finishes and designs, so they blend seamlessly with your bathroom decor.

Use No-Threshold Doors and Door-Activated Light Switches

No-threshold doors create a smooth, level entryway that reduces the risk of trips and falls, especially for those with mobility aids like walkers or wheelchairs. Door-activated light switches can be installed in the door frame to automatically turn on the light in a room when the door is opened.

No-threshold doors make it easier to enter a room when using a wheelchair or walker.

Install Assistive and Smart Home Technology

Embracing technology can greatly enhance comfort and safety for aging in place. A stair chair lift can help with easy access between floors while smart showers with temperature controls and automated shut-off add safety features to the home. Smart lighting and thermostat controls, which can be managed by voice command or a smartphone, make daily life more convenient and secure.

A stair lift provides access to other levels of a home.

By investing in home renovations to help with aging in place, you’re not just updating your space – you’re creating a home that adapts to your changing needs, allowing you to live comfortably and independently for many more years to come.