As we age, our homes should evolve with us. When it comes to home modifications, there are a lot of ideas out there for individuals who intend to age in place, but it can be tough to know how to get started. If you’re ready to make your Monterey County home senior-friendly, the expert general contractor and renovators at Cyprus Design & Build can help remodel your bathroom, kitchen, hallways, floors, and more.
Home Upgrades For Aging In Place
- Slip-Resistant Flooring
- Senior-Friendly Lighting
- Seated Showers
- Grab Bars
- Wider Hallways
- Wheelchair-Friendly Doors
- Stairlift
- Easy-To-Reach Storage
- Accessible Counters
- Seated Workstations
Slip-Resistant Floor Installation
High-friction flooring materials, such as carpet, can help reduce the risk of falls compared to tile, vinyl, or wood floors. For kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas that cannot have carpet, try looking for tiles that have a rougher texture (and thus more friction). The Americans with Disabilities Act recommends flooring that has a friction coefficient of 0.6 or greater.
Senior-Friendly Lighting
Sufficient lighting is essential for preventing falls. An experienced lighting contractor can help install additional lights, as well as wheelchair-accessible switches.
Seated Showers
Sometimes, non-slip shower floors aren’t enough to ensure safety. If you’re remodeling your bathroom to age in place, one of the best changes you can make is installing a seated shower. Built-in shower seats make it much easier to bathe without having to stand for long periods of time, which can be difficult or dangerous for seniors.
Bathroom Grab Bars
When it comes to bathroom remodeling, grab bars are an essential feature for seniors. They are extremely useful for standing up in the shower, getting in and out of a bathtub, and using the restroom. For safety reasons, just make sure each bar is able to support at least 250 lbs (or more, for larger folks).
Wider Hallways
If you have the space, you may wish to consider widening your hallways. Wider hallways make it easier to move around your home if you’re using a wheelchair, walker, or just need a little extra space.
Wheelchair-Friendly Doors
If you or a loved one uses a wheelchair, it’s important to make sure your doors are easy to go through. Wider doorways and ADA-compliant door levers (instead of traditional knobs) can make it much easier to get around your home. The ADA recommends making all door handles 34-48″ from the floor so that they can be safely reached while seated in a wheelchair.
Stairlift
If your home has stairs, a stairlift can be a lifesaver. Stairlifts allow you to safely go up and down stairs without having to worry about falling.
Easy-To-Reach Storage
As we age, it can become more difficult to bend down or reach high to access things. That’s why it’s important to have easy-to-reach storage throughout your home. Adding shelves and cabinets at a lower height can make it much easier to get the things you need.
Accessible Counters
If you’re remodeling your kitchen, it’s important to make sure your countertops are accessible. Lowering your countertops can make it much easier to reach things and avoid straining yourself or falling.
Seated Workstations
Another great kitchen renovation to consider installing is seated workstations in front of the stove, sink, and counter. These can be a big help if you love to cook but have trouble standing for long periods of time.
Senior-Friendly Home Remodeling Company In Monterey County
If you’re looking to renovate your home, these are just a few aging-in-place ideas to help you get started. At Cyprus Design & Build, our professional builders are well-versed in kitchen, bathroom, floor, door, lighting, and cabinet installation. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
