Design tips for aging in place/multigenerational households

From adult children moving back in, to sharing a home with grandparents, households with multiple generations is on the rise. The high cost of housing, a sluggish job market and older adults’ desire to stay out of senior communities or assisted living facilities has increased the focus on how people of all ages and varying abilities can live well together. Many have even considered invested in modifications to their homes with the help of aging in place features. Here are a few design tips and ideas when considering Remodeling your home.

Changes in the kitchen for easier meal preparation and eating.

• Lever-handle faucets with pull-out spray.
• Raised dishwasher to avoid back strain (a good idea for front-loading washers and dryers, too).
• Rolling island that can be placed back under the counter.
• Revolving corner shelves and pull-out shelves.
• Lower, side-opening oven.
• Pull-out cutting board.
• Adjustable height sink.
• Side-by side refrigerator with slide-out shelves and a water/ice dispenser.
• Cooktop with controls on front.
• Larger, friendlier cabinet and drawer pulls.

Changes in the bathrooms - the number one place for accidents in your home.

• Attractive grab bars in the shower.
• Lever handles on faucets.
• Slide-bar-type hand-held shower, for sitting or standing.
• Shampoo nooks inset in the wall.
• Curbless showers so that there is nothing to step over. These can be rolled into if a wheelchair becomes necessary later.
• Tub and shower controls moved closer to entry point.
• Anti-scald, temperature and pressure balanced tub shower valves for safer bathing.
• Widened entry doors to at least 32.”
• 32”-36” pocket doors.
• Higher toilets with non-slam seats and lids.

Moving around within the house.

• Improved lighting with recessed fixtures in common areas and hallways.
• Lever handles on doors and windows.
• Lower light switches and thermostats; raised outlets.
• Planning for a future elevator by stacking closets.
• Adding blocking in walls for future chair lift at stairs.
• Wider doors that accommodate wheelchairs and walkers.

 

All Around Safety

• Better outdoor lighting to get you from your car to the door.
• Attractive ramps or a zero-step entrance for the home.
• A package shelf by front door.
• Handrails at existing steps and porches.
• A front door with sidelight for security.
• Fewer or no stairs.

These are just a few examples. Virtually all rooms of your house can be improved, even closets and garages. We can help you through these changes from just updating your existing cabinetry with pull outs and new hardware to a full remodel of kitchen, bath and hall ways. Stop by one of our showroom to discuss your next step! 

     Bessemer Showroom                       Homewood Showroom           Tuscaloosa Showroom

1240 Raimund Muscoda Rd                  2901 18th Street South                   702 21st Ave      

     Bessemer, AL 35020                    Homewood, AL 35209                 Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Mintues from Ross Bridge                                   Next to O'Carrs                                        Inside Cabiness Paint

       205-481-1003                                 205-871-2066                                    205-434-9044