Using Aging in Place Upgrades To Improve Quality of Life

Whether seniors are aging in place in their own homes or with family, they may need to make some upgrades to make it work. It may seem impossible to imagine a time when climbing the stairs becomes difficult or a second-floor bathroom becomes inaccessible, but these things do happen. The specific upgrades a home needs depends on its original design and the family needs. Here are the top upgrades to consider.

•  Wet Room Bathrooms

Wet rooms started as a contemporary trend for new-construction homes. This was inspired by spas and so naturally become associated with higher-end builds. However, over time, seniors began to install these when renovating their bathrooms. It requires less stepping up and allows them to easily wheel themselves in and out if necessary.

•  Wheelchair Ramps

Even if the home is a flat, chances are that it’s slightly raised. If the home is near a flood plain, the greater the likelihood. A wheelchair ramp is safer for seniors to use even when they are not wheelchair bound. Ramps have a smooth surface to walk on with a reduced need for lifting their legs.

•  Ground Level Living

If the home is on two floors, then it may have all the bedrooms on the second floor. Other homes sometimes have at least one bedroom on the ground floor. As people age, it becomes a much better idea to renovate or create a ground-level master bed and bath to accommodate them, while leaving the upstairs rooms available for guests or a live-in caretaker.

•  Carpetless Floors

Carpets do provide more traction for walking. However, wheelchairs and walkers do not work well on carpeting. You can install hardwood, tiles or vinyl floors with enough friction to reduce the likelihood of a slip-and-fall accident while improving the ability to roll wheels over the surface.

Working with a contractor can help you decide which upgrades are right for you. It also ensures a job well done that will not pose safety issues for your loved one later on.