Good friends visiting over the weekend told me excitedly that they are making Aging in Place modifications to their home. I told them what I always say in these cases. Please let me glance at the plans and make suggestions so I am not disappointed. I explained, gently, that many well meaning contractors don’t have the experience to get this stuff right.
I went by the next day. Their goals were in line. Whether one of their moms ends up living with them or they need it themselves they want a full bath they can reach without steps. Their main goals were more standard remodeling improvements…the Aging in Place stuff is just thoughtfulness. This is exactly what I think people should do.
They planned to:
1. Redo the kitchen
2. Create the mudroom they never had
3. Get his dump space off the kitchen counter by creating a desk on the main floor where he can see the TV, sit in the sunlight, be in the center of things.
4. Add a shower somewhere to supplement the half bath.
When I walked in I avoided reviewing the plans sitting on the kitchen table. I wanted to hear what they had in mind. I encouraged them to speak in terms of problems to be solved rather than solutions. This allows me to help find the solutions, which I consider the true benefit of working in this specialty for over twenty years.
They were already a little uncomfortable with the way the bathrooms cut into the rarely used living room. Even if they don’t use it they don’t want it to be an uncomfortable hallway of a room. When I pointed out that neither bath design choice would be workable for Aging in Place I was relieved that I insisted on taking a look. Neither bath had sufficient maneuvering space to help someone onto and off the toilet or into or with the shower. These two caregiving activities, along with reducing the risk of falls are the goals of an Aging in Place bathroom. As designed, these baths would not reach my friends’ goals.
So here starts a series on the basics of Aging in Place remodeling. The issues are:
1. Getting in and out.
2. Moving around with in the house
3. Safely getting into and out of bed and getting to clothing storage
4. Safe use of the bathroom including ergonomic caregiving
5. Preparing and taking meals
6. Home office function
7. Entertainment- TV, music, reading, guests
8. Enjoying the outdoors
All these issues are not priorities for every client, household or house. It is always important to spend our resources wisely….making sure the problem we set out to solve is taken care of by the work we have done.
Louis Tenenbaum, one of the nation's leading authorities on aging in place, is the founder of HomesRenewed, a coalition of business, consumers and nonprofits, driving policy and investment to increase the number of age-friendly homes.
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Good article – thanks!
Louis, I like your two-part Aging in Place Remodeling blog posts. We often help customers plan and implement home renovations to accommodate universal design or aging in place needs.
Here are some items we help customers consider when renovating their kitchen to meet those aging in place needs: Use bright lighting under cabinets. Install cabinets with pull-down shelving and slide-out drawers. Have different counter heights to reduce bending or accommodate different reaches. Use adjustable counters that raise or lower to meet the user’s need. Choose cabinet and faucet handles that are easy to grasp. Ensure cook top and oven controls are easy to see and reach. Install dishwashers and microwaves within easy reach. Choose a kitchen sink that’s shallow. Look for push button controls on appliances.