With life expectancy on the rise, more and more people are looking for ways to age in place. This means that we want to remain in our own homes as we get older, without having to relocate or make major changes. The good news is that with a few key modifications, you can create a space that will be comfortable and accessible even into your golden years. Let’s take a look at what those modifications might look like.
Bedroom & Bathroom: Having a first-floor bedroom and bathroom can be an invaluable asset as you age. Even if you don’t use it as your primary bedroom now, it can provide peace of mind knowing that there is an accessible room available should you need it later on down the road. If you are designing this space from scratch, consider adding features such as a wide shower door opening (30 inches) for possible walker access, bench seating (18 inches tall) in the shower, blocking for grab bars in the wall, and a handheld showerhead for easy maneuverability. You may also want to invest in a toilet that is comfort height (17-19 inches).
Kitchen: Kitchen companies such as Ballerina Kitchens have recently begun introducing features specifically designed for aging in place. These include lower shelves and drawers so items can be easily reached from sitting or standing positions; wider doorways between rooms; cabinets with pull-out shelves; soft close doors; undercabinet LED lighting; adjustable counter heights; and more. Making these small but meaningful changes now will make all the difference when it comes time to age in place comfortably.
Preparing your home for aging in place doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive—it just takes some forethought and planning ahead. By making small adjustments now such as adding extra bedrooms/bathrooms on the first floor and investing in kitchen features designed with accessibility in mind, you can create a safe space where you can continue living independently well into your later years. So don’t wait any longer—start preparing today!
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