For many homeowners, the idea of aging in place by retiring in their current home is an appealing prospect compared to moving into an assisted living facility or nursing home down the road. However, most residential properties require some strategic renovations to accommodate mobility issues, reduce risks of falls and injuries, and allow for accessible, comfortable living as you get older.
If you intend to remain in your home long-term, consider making these five upgrades sooner rather than later.
Replace Tubs With a Curbless Shower
Stepping over the tall wall of a bathtub becomes increasingly difficult and dangerous with age. Replace your tub with an ADA-compliant, curbless walk-in shower enclosure. The zero-entry threshold and roomy interior make bathing much safer for those with walkers or wheelchairs while reducing slip hazards.
That being said, make sure your shower has sloped floors for proper draining. This could require more work and money to do.
Invest in Better Lighting
Good lighting enhances visibility and depth perception as eyesight declines with age. Install bright, energy-efficient LED light strips under kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities. Replace lamps with higher wattage bulbs, and opt for overhead lighting fixtures that eliminate gloomy shadows and dark corners. Well-lit spaces prevent accidents.
Install Slip-Resistant Tiles
Reduce the chance of dangerous falls by installing slip-resistant luxury vinyl tiles or textured matte tiles throughout your home in place of slick wood or laminate floors. Slip-resistant tiles perform well wet or dry and are especially best to use outside of a shower area. Slip-resistant surfaces also provide better grip and traction using shoes, walkers, or wheelchairs.
Create High-Color Contrast Surfaces
Use countertop materials, paint colors, and tiles in distinctly contrasting tones to make it easier to distinguish changes in surface planes. High-contrast schemes help those with vision issues better perceive thresholds, stairs, wall edges, and countertop boundaries. We recommend using a difference of 30 to 40 LRV points when creating a contrast between floors and walls.
Install Grab Bars
Secure grab bars both inside and outside the shower area allow you to maneuver more safely as balance and stability decline over time. Wall-mounted grab bars can also increase accessibility throughout the home in hallways, doorways, and any tight spaces.
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