Aging in Place Remodeling
Aging in Place, Universal Design, and Adaptable Living Spaces
"Aging in Place" is a concept that has become essential for many seeking to adapt their homes for senior living or wheelchair accessibility. This approach combined with universal design principles, ensures homes are both age-friendly and adaptable for all.
The challenges that stairs, narrow spaces, and multi-level layouts pose become more apparent as we age or deal with mobility constraints. However, with strategic modifications rooted in universal design, these barriers can be alleviated. Universal design focuses on creating environments that can be accessed, understood, and used to the greatest extent possible by all people, regardless of their age, size, or abilities. This includes wider doorways for wheelchair accessibility, non-slip flooring for safer mobility, and easy-to-reach controls and switches designed with senior living in mind.
Often, it's the insights of occupational therapists that highlight the daily challenges seniors or those with mobility restrictions face in their homes. By combining their invaluable feedback with the specialized knowledge of our in-house CAPs-certified consultant, we provide renovations that prioritize both safety and style. Our approach aims to ensure homes remain the cherished spaces they've always been, regardless of changing physical abilities.
At McClurg, we are dedicated to enhancing your living experience through thoughtful and tailored renovations. If you or a loved one is contemplating senior living adaptations or wheelchair-friendly modifications, let our expertise guide you. Reach out and discover how we can create a home that's tailored to every stage of life. Click below to schedule a free consultation with our experts.
Essential Aging in Place & Universal Design Modifications
"As we grow older, our homes sometimes need to evolve with us. Aging in place and universal design principles are centered around making living spaces more accessible, safe, and convenient for everyone, regardless of age or mobility. Here are some key modifications that can be incorporated to create an environment that's friendly for senior living, wheelchair accessibility, and overall ease:
Walk-in Showers
Eliminate the step-over of traditional bathtubs, ensuring safer and easier access.
Grab Bars
Installed in bathrooms and other key areas to provide support.
Wider Doorways
Accommodate wheelchairs and reduce the risk of accidental bumps.
No-step Entries
Eliminate steps from the main entrance to make entry and exit more accessible.
Lever Door Handles
Easier to operate than traditional doorknobs, especially for arthritic hands.
Pull-out Shelves
Allow for easier access to items without excessive bending or reaching.
Raised Electrical Outlets
Reduce the need to bend down to plug in or unplug devices.
Lower Light Switches
Ensure they're reachable from a seated position.
Non-slip Flooring
Reduces the risk of slips and falls in potentially wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
Improved Lighting
Helps in reducing shadows and illuminating areas to improve visibility, essential for those with declining vision.
Ramps
Replace or complement stairways for smoother wheelchair access.
Touchless Faucets
For easy on/off water control in kitchen and bathrooms.
Adjustable Counter Heights
Can be adapted to seated or standing users, making them versatile for all needs.
Front-Control Appliances
Eliminates the need to reach over hot surfaces or bend to access controls.
Flooring Transitions
Ensure smooth transitions between different types of flooring to reduce trip hazards.
Home Elevators
An invaluable addition, particularly for multi-story homes, ensuring easy and safe floor-to-floor transitions without the physical demand of stairs.