As people grow older, many Americans opt to stay in their own homes for as long as possible, a concept known as “Aging-in Place.” However, achieving this goal requires homeowners to enhance the home’s safety and ease their ability to move around through improvements. To maintain independence, it’s important to make physical modifications to your home, eliminate potential hazards, and increase accessibility. This article will explore Aging in Place renovation ideas for a two-story row house. Let’s begin!
Aging In Place Remodeling Ideas
1. Make Major Changes to Your Bathroom
The bathroom is a critical area where safety and accessibility are paramount. To enhance your bathroom for Aging in Place, replace your traditional shower or bathtub with a roll-in one. This eliminates the need to step over a high edge, which can be challenging for older individuals or those with mobility issues. Add grab bars to bathroom walls to provide support and stability, install a shower seat to make bathing safer and more comfortable.
For an overview of comprehensive requirements on accessible bathrooms according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), <read this article>.
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2. Make Your Home Smart
Modern technology plays a significant role in making your home accessible and user-friendly, particularly for older people. By introducing smart features, you can control lights, heating, and other household devices using voice commands, reducing the physical effort required for everyday tasks. Also, you can use remote control devices to open doors, adjust the thermostat, or control various appliances, enhancing convenience and independence.
3. Consider Wheelchair Accessibility
Many people need to use wheelchairs while growing old. For those who may require a wheelchair to move around, it is essential to make your home wheelchair-friendly. Ensure doorways and hallways are wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair’s passage, allowing smoother mobility throughout your home.
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4. Install a Stair Lift
When doing an Aging in Place renovation of a two-story row house, it is crucial to consider the comfort and mobility of older individuals. Many seniors struggle with navigating stairs, especially if they require a wheelchair. If you live in a two-story row house, it is wise to consider installing a stair lift to address this issue.
A stair lift is a specialized motorized chair that travels up and down the stairs. It is a safe and easy way for older people to access different levels of the home.
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5. Change Door Knobs and Faucets
Little changes in your home can have a big impact on your everyday life. Instead of regular round doorknobs, use handles you can push down on. They are easier to hold and turn. Also, consider installing faucets that are easy to use. Opt for faucets with levers or ones that are touchless. These types of faucets make doing everyday things like washing hands or getting a drink of water simpler for those Aging in Place.
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6. Replace Flooring
The type of floor you have in your home can make a big difference in how safe and easy it is to move around. When you are picking out flooring material for your Aging in Place remodeling project, it is best to opt for flooring that is flat. Smooth floors are easier to walk on, especially for those Aging in Place and may not be steady on their feet.
On the other hand, where there is water, such as in the bathroom or kitchen, it is crucial to use slip-resistant materials to prevent accidents like slipping and falling. Choose materials with a good grip that will not get too slippery when wet. By selecting the right flooring, your home will be a safer and more comfortable place to live, especially as you get older or if you experience balance issues.
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7. Adjust Countertops and Shelving
Make your kitchen and storage spaces more accessible by adjusting the height of countertops to allow for easy use. Additionally, the shelves where you keep dishes, pots, or groceries should not be too high up or too low down. By adjusting the counter’s height, it is easier to work comfortably in the kitchen without having to reach, strain, or stretch.
8. Add Additional Lighting
Good lighting in your house is important to ensure safety and visibility. One way to achieve this is by placing adequate light bulbs or lamps in key areas throughout your home. Adequate lighting allows for clear visibility and reduces the risk of accidents occurring.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Aging in Place remodeling ideas for your two-story row house involve thoughtful modifications that prioritize safety, accessibility, and convenience. By implementing these remodeling ideas, you can create a home that allows you or your loved ones to enjoy independence and comfort as they age, right in their own home. Aging in Place is not only a possibility but a practical and rewarding choice with the right modifications.
Need help with your Aging in Place remodeling in the Philadelphia or NJ area?! Matrix Construction is a specialized 203(k) and HomeStyle Loan contractor. Contact us via our FREE Consultation Service or call us at (215) 501-7566 and we will help you! Let us make your home a place you can live for years!
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