“Aging in place,” however, is not just about adding railings and ramps—in fact, 46 percent of homeowners aged 75-plus began improvements early with the expectation that they would grow older, but stay put, according to a HomeAdvisor report. The most common remodels, the report shows:
- Add Lever-Style Doorknobs
- Add Pull-Out Shelves
- Add a Smart Fire Detection System
- Add a Smart Security System
- Replace Stone/Tile With Carpet/Wood
Homeowners at an earlier stage, aged 55-75, are also making modifications, but not necessarily due to aging concerns (though they are, fortuitously, ideal for just that). These include adding automated features like a programmable thermostat or voice activation, and, in bathrooms, grab bars and higher toilets.
According to HomeAdvisor, a “holistic” movement is occurring—a comprehensive, and, at times, preventative, approach to living over the years. Early on, that could mean addressing issues that could be unsafe, like a cracked walkway. Later, that could mean cutting clutter and organizing (accessible storage, for example), or eliminating labor-intensive chores, such as adding gutters that clean themselves. The outcome is a lifestyle that is not only beneficial currently, but also crucial down the line, when age can impede the ability to carry out chores and upkeep.
Other key improvements to consider, the report shows:
- Lighting
- Modifications in Shower (Bench, threshold)
- Moving Master Bedroom to First Floor
- Ramps
- Wider Doorways
Source: rismedia.com ~ By: Suzanne De Vita
