Aging-in-Place

If you’re like the majority of Americans over the age of 45, you want to continue living in a familiar environment throughout your maturing years. According to AARP, older home owners overwhelmingly prefer to age-in-place, which means living in your home safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age or ability level.

What does aging-in-place mean?

To age-in- place, you will probably need to modify your house as you mature to increase access and safety. Modifications may range from the installation of bathroom grab bars, adjusting countertop height, or creating first floor bedrooms.

Here are some of the common features incorporated into aging-in- place remodels:

• No-step entry. No one needs to use stairs to get into a universal home or into the home’s main rooms.
• One-story living. Places to eat, use the bathroom, and sleep are all located on one level that is barrier-free.
• Wider doorways and hallways. Doorways that are 32-36 inches wide let wheelchairs pass through, if they become needed. Hallways should be 36-42 inches wide. This makes it easier to move big things from room to room.
• Extra floor space. Everyone feels less cramped and there is more turnaround space.