Want to Age in Place? Make Your Home Work Long Term

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Do you plan to stay in your house long term?

Good question. Who knows? No one can predict what future situations might arise that require a change in location. And most of us don’t think that far ahead, anyway – especially if we buy when our kids are young. We base our decisions on our immediate priorities – good schools, quiet street, nearby parks, number of bedrooms, affordable price, etc. Who thinks about the practicality of the house as we age? I get it. Young parents lead active, busy and chaotic lives.

I am one of those people who bought a house when my children were young. The kids were ages five (5) and (2) in 1996 when we closed, and are now 29 and 26, living on their own. We assumed when we signed the papers we would stay for five (5) years. That was the plan. It’s funny, I actually thought at that time I had control over my future plans, but learned that often unanticipated events effect our decisions whether we are OK with the changes or not.

When five years turns into forever

Still in the two story house where we raised our family, we have far more space than we need. I can’t remember the last time I went upstairs. There’s no reason to climb the steps – we live in our master bedroom and bathroom, kitchen and family room which are all on the first floor, which is fortunate. Others in similar situations have their masters on the second floor which is problematic sometimes as we age. Despite the downstairs master, the house is still not easy to navigate for someone with disabilities. Not only do we have friends and family members older than us who we want to make comfortable when they visit, we are not getting any younger ourselves. Additionally, maintenance on the house, inside and out, is a headache, both in terms of cost and expense.

So why don’t we just move? The simple answer is we love our home, our neighborhood and our community. We want our kids to come “home” to their old bedrooms, and we want a place for future grandchildren to stay overnight. We want space to store the toys and books my kids left behind so we can pull them out for their children. Finally, the thought of this house being our “forever” home is comforting – one less change to deal with as we age.

AGE IN PLACE RENOVATIONS TO CONSIDER

The checklist below contains features to consider if you decide to renovate to stay in your home, but it is not a comprehensive list. It’s a place to start.

Exterior

Accessible path of travel to the house
At least one no-step entry with a cover. Install a ramp if needed.
Handrail for steps where needed
Sensor light at exterior entry focusing on the front-door lock
Front door that measures a minimum width of 36-inches
Slope no greater than one inch rise for each 12-inches in length, adequate handrails
Five-foot landing provided at entrance
Low-maintenance shrubs and plants

Entry

Non-slip flooring in foyer
Flush threshold preferable

Overall Floor Plan

Main living spaces on a single story, including full bath with no steps between rooms
Doorways a minimum of 36 inches wide
Levered door hardware
Task lighting in appropriate work areas
Smooth, non-glare, slip-resistant surfaces, interior and exterior
If carpeted, use low (less than a half inch high pile) density, with firm pad

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Bathroom

Countertops with varied heights and removable base cabinets
At least one wheelchair maneuverable bath on the main level
Grab bars securely installed in walls around tub, shower, shower seat, and toilet to support 250-300 pounds
Curbless shower with a minimum 36 inch wide entry
Lower bathtub for easier access
Tub/shower controls offset from center and lower for easy accessibility
Adjustable/handheld showerheads with a 6-foot hose
Toilet two and half inches higher than standard toilet (17-19 inches)
Light in shower stall
Toilet paper holder design which allows roll to be changed with one hand
Slip-resistant flooring in bathroom and shower
Lever handles on shower and sink faucets
Thermostatic or anti-scald controls

Kitchen and Laundry

Adjustable and/or varied height counters and removable base cabinets
Upper wall cabinetry three inches lower than conventional height
Counter space for dish landing adjacent to or opposite all appliances
Easy to clean surfaces
Base cabinets with roll out trays and lazy susans
Pull-down shelving
Glass-front cabinet doors
Open shelving for easy access to items used frequently
Multi-level work areas to accommodate cooks of different heights
Open under-counter seated work areas
Loop cabinet door handles for easy grip and pull

2 Pack Illuminated Light Switch, Decora Paddle Rocker Light Switch

Appliances

Easy to read controls
Front loading washer and dryer raised 12-15 inches above floor
Microwave oven at counter height or in wall
Side-by-side refrigerator/freezer
Side-swing or wall oven
Raised dishwasher with push-button controls on outside of door
clear space at appliances or 60-inch diameter clear space for turns

Storage

Adjustable closet rods and shelves
Lighting in closets
Easy open doors that do not obstruct access

LIghting

Rocker or touch light switches by each entrance to halls and rooms
Light switches, thermostats, and other environmental controls placed in accessible locations no higher than 48 inches from floor
Clear access space in front of switches and controls
Audible and visual strobe light system to indicate when the doorbell, telephone or smoke or CO₂ detectors are activated
Pre-programmed thermostats
Flashing porch light or 911 switch

Outdoor 28 LED Wireless Waterproof Security Solar Motion Sensor Lights,

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning

HVAC designed so filters are easily accessible
Energy-efficient units

Work with a contractor or interior decorator well versed in the concepts of universal design if possible. With a little advance planning you can create an accessible home that is also aesthetically pleasing! If you have other ideas for age in place renovations, please comment below!