By Luke Ritter
•
June 11, 2024
Did you know that by 2030, all Baby Boomers will be older than 65? With this demographic shift, the concept of "aging in place" has gained prominence. Many seniors prefer to remain in their own homes as they age, surrounded by familiar surroundings and communities. However, to make aging in place feasible and comfortable, certain home modifications and remodeling considerations are essential. Assessing Accessibility Needs When planning for aging in place, home remodeling in Oconomowoc, WI should prioritize accessibility. This involves evaluating the layout of the home and identifying potential obstacles. Considerations include wider doorways to accommodate wheelchairs or walkers, no-step entries, and accessible bathroom features such as grab bars and roll-in showers. These modifications not only enhance safety but also promote independence for seniors. Creating Single-Floor Living As mobility decreases with age, navigating stairs can become challenging. Therefore, a key consideration for residential remodeling in Oconomowoc, WI is creating a single-floor living space. This may involve converting a den or office into a bedroom and adding a bathroom on the main level. Eliminating the need to climb stairs allows seniors to move freely throughout their home without the risk of falls or injury. Improving Lighting and Visibility Dim lighting can pose hazards for seniors, especially those with vision impairments. During home remodeling, it's important to prioritize adequate lighting throughout the house. This includes installing bright overhead lights, task lighting in work areas like the kitchen, and motion-sensor lights in hallways and bathrooms. Improved visibility reduces the risk of accidents and enhances overall comfort and well-being. Upgrading Kitchen and Bathroom Features The kitchen and bathroom are two areas of the home where aging in place modifications can have a significant impact. In the kitchen, consider installing lower countertops, pull-out shelves, and lever-style faucets for easier access. In the bathroom, features like walk-in tubs, handheld showerheads, and raised toilets enhance safety and convenience. These upgrades ensure that essential daily tasks remain manageable for seniors. Incorporating Smart Home Technology Advancements in smart home technology offer innovative solutions for aging in place. Smart thermostats, automated lighting, and voice-activated assistants can enhance convenience and accessibility for seniors. Remote monitoring systems and wearable devices provide peace of mind for caregivers and family members, allowing them to check on their loved ones' well-being from afar. Ensuring Slip-Resistant Flooring Slip and fall accidents are a leading cause of injury among seniors, especially in areas with smooth or slick flooring surfaces. During home remodeling, consider installing slip-resistant flooring materials such as non-slip tiles, textured vinyl, or rubber flooring. These options provide better traction, reducing the risk of falls, particularly in high-traffic areas like entryways, kitchens, and bathrooms. Slip-resistant flooring enhances safety and confidence for seniors navigating their homes, promoting greater independence and peace of mind. Wrapping Up Aging in place is a goal shared by many seniors, and proper home remodeling in Oconomowoc, WI is essential to achieving this objective. By prioritizing accessibility, single-floor living, lighting, kitchen and bathroom upgrades, and smart home technology, seniors can maintain their independence and quality of life as they age. For expert assistance with residential remodeling in Oconomowoc, WI, trust Accent Construction to transform your home into a safe and comfortable environment for years to come. Contact us today for a consultation on your windows and doors installation needs.