The desire among Americans to retain mobility in their homes is growing rapidly. Often known as aging in place, this trend centers around making modifications to your current home so that you can live comfortably and safely in your own space.
For many years, it has been common practice to move the elderly into assisted living facilities without considering the array of options well in advance. With proper planning, aging in place can be an ideal solution for independent living.
The options for aging in place range from small modifications in the kitchen and bathroom, to full-scale renovations that assist with a family’s overall mobility. As with any home improvement project, cost and return on investment should always be considered.
Implementing modifications in your kitchen can make cooking and entertaining much more enjoyable. Swapping out a traditional dishwasher with a drawer model makes loading and unloading dishes safe and easy. Installing motorized, adjustable sink counters are perfect for children or wheel chair users who need to use the sink at varying heights. Over-the-stove faucets allow you to fill pots of water without any heavy lifting.
Quick aging in place changes to your bathroom include installing comfort height toilets and grab bars in the shower. These items provide reassurance to those who need assistance moving around. More extensive modifications to the bathroom include installing walk-in or roll-in tubs and showers, which help reduce the risk of falling and provide freedom for wheel-chair users.
If you are looking to modify your entire home, you might consider relocating your master bedroom and bathroom to the main floor. This eliminates the need to walk up and down stairs, reducing the risk of falling. Depending on how much you can modify your current floor plan, you might consider locating frequently used rooms close together. As always, consult Approved Plumbing prior to making any modifications to your home!
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