Plan for Aging in Place When Planning Your Whole Home Remodel

Cheerful mature woman embracing senior man against whiteJust as many of us had a plan for going off to college, we should have a plan to age. The National Aging in Place Council suggests that people should start thinking about a plan to age in place before planning for retirement. Decisions about your whole home remodel, room addition, or mother-in-law suite will be influenced by your plans for aging and by your parents’ plans. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

What is aging in place?
Aging in place is the ability to stay in your own home independently, safely and comfortably for as long as you can while you age. A recent AARP study established that 89 percent of 50-plus Americans intend to remain in their own homes for as long as possible.

Making your whole home remodel or mother-in-law suite senior friendly.
When assessing your current living environment, you need to examine all the major areas of your home, including the entryway, bathrooms, bedrooms, the kitchen, and outdoor areas.

Entryway

  • Barrier-free, no-step entries and thresholds

Bathrooms

  • Roll-in showers with adjustable shower heads
  • Lowered bathroom sink and elevated toilet
  • Grab bars

Bedrooms

  • Closets with storage at accessible heights
  • Ample room for maneuvering

Kitchens

  • Varied countertop height
  • Sink with knee clearance
  • Raised dishwasher
  • Storage space within reach

See more tips from the National Aging in Place Council here.

With proper planning and the help of an experienced design team, aging in place can be beautifully incorporated into your whole home remodel.