Improving Quality of Life for Homeowners
Staying in your own home as you get older is sometimes called “aging in place.” As we (and our loved ones!) get older, many things can be influenced such as mobility and taking on daily tasks. In order to stay at home, some adjustments should be made to ensure that you’re safe and able to continue life as normally as possible. Adding grab bars, curb-less showers, handheld shower-heads, etc. can really make all the difference!
Works by JD is a Certified Aging In Place Specialist (CAPS) from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and we are ready to assist you in making the necessary changes to help you stay in your home.
The overall goal is to make your home safer, with less maintenance and easier access. Typical changes include the following:
Getting safely and securely into and out of the house:
Better outdoor lighting to get you from your car to the door.
Attractive ramps or a zero-step entrance for the home.
A package shelf by front door.
Handrails at existing steps and porches.
A front door with sidelight for security.
Fewer or no stairs.
Changes in the kitchen for easier meal preparation and eating:
Lever-handle faucets with pull-out spray.
Raised dishwasher to avoid back strain (a good idea for front-loading washers and dryers, too).
Rolling island that can be placed back under the counter.
Revolving corner shelves and pull-out shelves.
Lower, side-opening oven.
Pull-out cutting board.
Adjustable height sink.
Side-by side refrigerator with slide-out shelves and a water/ice dispenser.
Cooktop with controls on front.
Larger, friendlier cabinet and drawer pulls.
Changes in the bathrooms – the number one place for accidents in your home. For example,
Attractive grab bars in the shower.
Lever handles on faucets.
Slide-bar-type hand-held shower, for sitting or standing.
Shampoo nooks inset in the wall.
Curb-less showers so that there is nothing to step over. These can be easily accessed if a wheelchair becomes necessary later.
Tub and shower controls moved closer to entry point.
Anti-scald, temperature and pressure balanced tub shower valves for safer bathing.
Widened entry doors to at least 32.”
32”-36” pocket doors.
Higher toilets with non-slam seats and lids.
Moving around within the house:
Improved lighting with recessed fixtures in common areas and hallways.
Lever handles on doors and windows.
Lower light switches and thermostats; raised outlets.
Planning for a future elevator by stacking closets.
Adding blocking in walls for future chair lift at stairs.
Wider doors that accommodate wheelchairs and walkers.
These are just a few examples. Virtually all rooms of your house can be improved, even closets and garages. Let us inspire you to do this well!
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