If you’re planning on staying in your home permanently or have older members of your family, remodel your spaces to make it easy for senior adults to use. Minor changes can make a big difference in convenience and safety. Consider the following:
- Widen doors ways and pathways. Make any doorways and pathways, such as between a kitchen island and adjacent lower cabinets, wide enough to accommodate those in walkers or wheelchairs. For example, many bathroom doors may only be 22 inches wide and the recommended minimum for wheelchair users is 32 inches. Avoid putting doors between rooms when possible. Minimize the use of multiple levels but if they exist, use ramps to bridge the different heights.
- Change kitchen heights. Raising the dishwasher about six inches and lowering microwaves to counter height prevent extensive bending or reaching. Motorized counters and sinks that adjust in height make them usable by all members of the family. A hands-free faucet mounted on the side of a six-inch deep sink is easier to use. Pull-down upper cabinets are also more convenient.
- Adjust the bath. Put at least one full bath on the main level of the home so no stairs are needed to use this daily necessity. Allow enough space between cabinets and toilets for easy movement for someone using a walker, cane, or wheelchair. Eliminate bathtubs in favor of large walk-in showers with grab bars and shower seats. Adjustable shower heads paired with hand-held units makes it easier to bathe. Replace shower and faucet knobs which require difficult twisting with levers.
For more information on remodeling your home for easier use, or if you want to get started on a project, please contact us.
