Has Your Life Changed?

Are you aging and starting to experience mobility challenges? Most people prefer to stay in their current space when starting to age instead of going through the hassle of moving to an assisted living home. Taking the necessary steps to renovate your home to improve safety is crucial for aging-in-place. Increasing accessibility indoors and out, remodeling the bathroom for more space, organizing the kitchen, and clearing unnecessary clutter are all great remodeling projects that’ll help accommodate challenges that seniors may face and allow you to independently live at home. For more helpful ideas on how to renovate your home so it’s ready for you to age safely, happily, and healthily, continue reading below.

Next, take a look at your bathrooms. It’s crucial you have enough space to move around if you’re using a wheelchair, scooter, or walker. If your space is not safe, you should remodel all bathrooms for easier access to prevent falls or injuries.

If the shower is difficult to get in and out of, perhaps install a large walk-in shower with handrails and a seat to accommodate you. You might also want to install a flooring option best suited for wheelchairs. If your bathroom currently has tiles, be aware that they can become slippery when wet. You might also want to replace the vanity with a lower countertop option for easy access just in case. Poor lighting can also become a safety hazard. Increase the wattage of your bulbs for a bright and well-lit space that’s easy to navigate.

The bathroom alone can be a hefty project that adds up quickly—which can be stressful when planning to make other updates to your home as well. As a homeowner, you’ve more than likely built up equity in your home over the years.

Organizing the kitchen is important so you can easily access the cupboards and other areas like the pantry. First, you might want to utilize the lower cupboards for your main cooking utensils and dishes. This is helpful just in case it’s a struggle to reach cabinets that are higher. Next, consider installing a kitchen pullout pantry so you can see everything without having to shuffle around to find what you’re looking for. If the countertops are sharp, you may want to have them rounded out to avoid bumping into them and potentially hurting your side or hip. This will increase the safety of your kitchen as well. If your microwave is up high, move it to a lower cabinet to reduce having to reach above your shoulders. Minimizing the amount of reaching and lifting things above your shoulders will prevent any accidents such as pulling a muscle or losing balance.