Necessary Home Renovations for Aging in Place: Adaptive Homes in Vancouver

What is Aging in Place?

Aging in place refers to the ability of older adults to live independently in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. This concept focuses on providing older individuals with the necessary support, services, and modifications to ensure their comfort, safety, and well-being in their familiar environment. 

What are the necessary Home Modifications for Aging in Place?   

Home Renovations for Aging in Place play a crucial role in ensuring the safety, accessibility, and overall well-being of seniors, allowing them to age in place and maintain their independence for as long as possible. These modifications can range from simple adjustments such as installing grab bars in bathrooms to more extensive renovations like widening doorways and adding ramps. Below are some necessary home renovations for Aging in Place:  

Bathroom Renovations for Adaptive Homes

Bathroom modifications can greatly minimize fall risk and improve safety and accessibility, especially for older adults or individuals with mobility issues. Several low-cost measures can be implemented to enhance bathroom safety, including the installation of the following: – 

Grab Bars are essential in reducing fall risk, as they provide stability and support while getting in and out of the shower or tub, or when using the toilet. They should be strategically placed in key areas, such as near the toilet, inside the shower, and next to the bathtub. 

Non-slip mats also help reduce fall risk and should be placed on the bathroom floor, shower floor, and bathtub to prevent slips and falls. 

Transfer Benches & Shower Chairs greatly improve accessibility by providing a stable seating area while bathing.  

Raised toilet seats help individuals with limited mobility to sit down and stand up from the toilet easily. 

Eye-level Shelves are an effective way to enhance accessibility and safety. By placing commonly used items at eye level, individuals can avoid bending or reaching for objects, reducing the risk of falls. 

Bedroom Renovations for Adaptive Homes

Bedroom modifications play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and accessibility of senior citizens. By implementing certain changes, the bedroom can be made a more secure and convenient space for them. 

Grab Bars, these sturdy bars can be placed near the bed, in the bathroom, or along the walls to support seniors while standing, sitting, or moving around. Grab bars offer stability and help prevent falls, which are common among older adults. 

Non-slip flooring, by selecting non-slip flooring materials, such as vinyl or rubber, seniors can move freely without the fear of slipping or tripping. Slippery surfaces can be hazardous for seniors, increasing the risk of accidents.  

Raised furniture can greatly improve accessibility in the bedroom. Raising beds and chairs to a certain height helps seniors with mobility issues easily transition from a standing to a sitting position and vice versa. Adding handles or armrests to the furniture also provides additional support and facilitates safe movement. 

Kitchen Renovations for Adaptive Homes

Making the kitchen more accessible for aging individuals is essential for their convenience and safety. Several necessary modifications can be made to achieve this. 

Update cabinets to drawers and pullout shelves, this change allows for easier access to items, eliminating the need for reaching into deep cabinets. 

Glass doors on upper cabinets are also beneficial as they enable individuals to see the contents without having to open the doors. 

Safety features for the kitchen stove are equally important. Level burners are essential to prevent pots and pans from sliding off, reducing the risk of spills and burns. Front controls allow for easier operation and visibility of settings. A downdraft feature helps eliminate cooking odours and improves ventilation. Additionally, a heat indication system provides a visual indication when the stove is hot, helping prevent accidental burns. 

3ft clearance around the kitchen area, this clearance provides ample space for individuals using a walker or wheelchair to move around with ease. It allows them to navigate through the kitchen, reach items, and maneuver without feeling restricted. The 3ft clearance also ensures that all kitchen appliances, cabinets, and countertops are easily accessible. 

Adaptive Homes in Vancouver with Abstract Homes and Renovations  

At Abstract Homes and Renovations, we look at homes with a holistic approach. Our clients and friends want to stay in their homes for as long as possible. Through the years, most people experience different stages of ‘change’, and what works for their lifestyle now may not work for them in the future. The importance of home renovations for aging in place becomes increasingly evident. The team at Abstract Homes and Renovations takes pride in the high-quality work and true craftsmanship that we bring to all our projects. We have a strong work ethic and believe in maintaining clear communication with our clients at every stage of the process. 

Do you need to remodel your home to support aging in place? We can help every step of the way, from interior design to construction. Book your consultation with us today!