Typically, we think of bathrooms as the part of the house that most needs upgrading to be user-friendly to those with mobility issues or other age-related issues. However, the kitchen can really use some assistance in this regard as well. Have that extra room to maneuver a walker or wheelchair. Add a two-level countertop so…
You don’t have to be “elderly” to love the features that professionals recommend for seniors. Too many homeowners wait until an elderly relative comes to live with them, or a spouse comes home from a rehab center after surgery or an accident to upgrade their bathroom with necessary features to ensure safety for their loved…
Curbless showers are popular both because of their ability to provide a clean design and meet aging-in-place and Universal Design requirements. Without a step into the shower, there is no interruption in the floor tile, which gives a more seamless look. Eliminating the curb also makes the space feel larger visually. From a Universal Design…
These are not contradictory goals! Manufacturers in recent years have been aware of the need for safety features in the modern bath and have been designing and producing products to that add functionality and style. To improve safety, why not turn a towel bar into a grab bar? You can still hang towels on it,…
What does that mean, and who says so? All the studies are showing that seniors are preferring to stay in their homes as long as possible, instead of moving to retirement homes. If you love your home, your neighbors and your neighborhood, why wouldn’t you want to stay there? The problem is that as we age,…
There should be a bathroom on the main floor. A bathroom located where the senior spends most of their time means they can avoid using the stairs. Bathrooms should be large enough to accommodate someone using a cane, a walker or even a wheelchair. Doorways should be at least 32 inches wide to allow a…
Why should you care? What is it? It’s not what homeowners looking to upgrade their homes usually think about – until they need it, that is. Other names for barrier-free are Universal Design, and Aging-in-Place. It means designing a home and remodeled portions of it, to be accessible to anyone. Imagine your elderly mom coming…
Then you need, no you deserve, a bath remodel! Old fashioned bathrooms may have gigantic whirlpool tubs taking up space, paired up with cramped, dark showers. Studies have shown that most modern homeowners prefer larger showers with amenities like body sprays, steam devices, benches and rainfall showerheads. Showerheads with LED lighting and speakers are growing…
Age really has nothing to do with adding grab bars and designing your home to accommodate a wheelchair. The most active homeowner can break a leg skiing, or have some other accident. When remodeling your bath, it is especially important to consider how difficult it would be to shower and use the fixtures if you…
Bellingham is a popular city for active retirees, with our close proximity to sea and mountains. But what happens when physical challenges make it hard to get around the house? One popular solution is to remodel the space to make it more user-friendly for everyone. When it is time for a remodel, it is smart…
Open up the home; you don’t have to expand the footprint of your home to give it more of that “open” feel. Many are choosing to have a wall removed and having a more functional layout designed, to create a larger common gathering place and living area, usually focusing on the kitchen. More and more…
Have grab bars installed, to reduce the risk of falls and assist your senior with mobility issues or balance problems. Typical locations are near the toilet, tub and shower. Note that in senior housing, railings are installed all along halls; the idea is to put them wherever they may be needed. Especially on any stairs!…
You just got a call to bring your loved one home from an assisted living facility. You panic, knowing they cannot get around your home as it is. What to do? We get calls like this fairly often; DyLon McClary, the owner of Rose Construction Inc., is trained in determining what needs to be done…
If you have a great marble countertop on your new lav and a spectacular tiled shower, you still might be unhappy with your bath remodel if every time you try to turn off the faucet your fingers slip and you whack your knuckles against that marble counter. That’s why the details of bathroom upgrades are…
Homeowners over the age of 55 make a large percentage of those having remodel work done on their homes. Many older homeowners wish to remain in their home rather than move out as they age. This creates a need for remodeling with accessibility in mind. Whether you are of “that age” or not, it is always…
What is it? Universal design refers to a broad range of ideas meant to produce buildings, products and environments that are inherently accessible to older people, people without disabilities and people with disabilities. It is used in home remodeling to make things safer, easier and more convenient for everyone. It does not mean turning a…
ADA, Universal Design and Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) are all terms and designations describing design for accessibility for all. If you still think designing a bathroom for accessibility means a hospital-like bathroom, be ready for a surprise! The advantage of so many baby boomers reaching retirement age is that designers and manufacturers are…
It isn’t just for seniors or those with physical challenges. Safety is important for all of us, and especially with the slippery surfaces in the bath. The good news is, you can get safety fixtures with style, now that manufacturers have woken up to this need. Practicality, safety, and style are designed into many bath…
As you probably are well aware, the baby boom generation is driving many purchasing trends, and as that generation is now at or near retirement, their effect on the housing and remodeling industry has been evaluated by many industries related to the housing industry. The Demand Institute studies economic conditions all over the world and…
Serious injuries from falling are an occupational hazard for many older persons. The National Institute for Health and the CDC say that more than one in three people age 65 or older will suffer from a fall in the next 12 months. Aging in place (CAPS) is a program created by the American Association of…
Have you ever felt a little nervous stepping onto the wet shower floor? Sturdy and stylish assist bars are available to provide a greater level of safety for you and your guests. More companies are offering coordinated bath accessories from tissue holders that double as small grab bars and sturdy towel/safety bars to the more…
Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies published a report this month titled “Housing America’s older adults – meeting the needs of an aging population”. It is interesting from several viewpoints; one, confirming that in the next 15 years, 1 in 5 Americans will be age 65 or older, and second, “What does this matter to me?”…
In recent years households have been moving toward more flexible uses of space. This includes an open space layout, often with informal family space integrated into kitchen space. Informality in home layouts also has become more popular. Not insignificantly, the trend toward opening up the interior of the home with fewer walls dividing spaces, tends…
Where can you go to find qualified remodelers for barrier free kitchens and baths? Recommendations from friends are great, but if that is not an option for you, NAHB, the National Association of Home Builders, has contractors listed by location and skills. If you find yourself in need of an experienced contractor who is trained…
Bathrooms are the most hazardous room in the house! Small spaces, wet floors and hard surfaces can make it dangerous for those with balance problems, low vision and just inaccessible to wheelchairs. Whatcom County attracts lots of retired persons due to our mild climate and wonderful scenery. Aging in place details make sense for many…