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If you are lucky enough to live in your “forever” home, it can be wise to prepare for the future as you make upgrades around the house. These upgrades can also increase the resale value if the house ever has to go on the market.
By using universal design, homeowners are better able to remain in their homes as they age. These design elements can also make a big difference if you lose mobility as you age.
With that in mind here are some investments worth making.
Widen the doorways…
Some older people rely on walkers or other devices to move around their homes. If you have an older home with narrow doorways, widening them may become necessary to allow for a smooth passage and prevent bumps and injury.
Add plenty of lighting…
Do a walk-through of the home at different times of the day to determine which areas need the most light. The staircase isn’t the only part of a home that needs good lighting, make sure there’s adequate lighting in every room, hallway, and doorway. Entryways are especially dangerous if not well lit.
Put them on rocker-style switches, which are easier to use; with a dimmer capacity, you can adjust lighting for different tasks. You may also want to set up lighting that's voice-controlled. That way, you won't have to fumble around looking for a light switch.
Changes in the bathroom…
Grab bars will be a huge help when navigating the bathroom daily. Find the natural places to grab while going through the motions of using the toilet, sink and shower so you can see where to best position those bars.
Doors are the number one obstacle to having a usable bathroom when someone requires assistance or is using a mobility aid. Sometimes an out-swing door works better for a bathroom than an in-swinging one. In other scenarios, a pocket door may be the better solution.
Walk-in showers are another important bathroom modification to consider. Eliminating the need to step up over a tub could the bathroom a much safer environment.
Think about the hands…
You probably don’t think much about turning a doorknob, but it can actually be quite a chore, even painful, for someone with arthritis or other conditions. Simply replacing doorknobs with lever-style hardware can make life easier for residents. Levers are also best on faucets, and illuminated rocker switches are better than the standard toggle light switches.
Friendlier floors…
All floors should be made slip-resistant, such as by adding nonskid mats under area rugs (or getting rid of the area rugs completely). Trips are as dangerous as slips, so eliminate trip points like thresholds wherever possible, or reduce their height.
Safer stairs…
Handrails are a must, on both sides of the staircase if possible. And take care to use adequate lighting and flooring that ensures good footing.
In the kitchen…
Opt for height-adjustable products, like desks for reading and accessible sinks for the kitchen. Adjustable kitchen cabinets and countertops are another practical way to ensure that every member of your household, regardless of age, can access hard-to-reach spaces.
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