Aging in place: Remodeling for seniors in the Charlotte area

Whether we are planning for our own futures or caring for aging loved ones, creating a safe, comfortable, and functional living environment becomes paramount. Aging in place is a way of designing and remodeling that allows residents to remain in their homes longer by maintaining independence and a robust quality of life. At Palmer Custom Builders, we specialize in transforming homes to meet the unique needs of all their residents. Our remodeling plans for those who want to age in place focus on modifications that enhance accessibility, safety, and comfort while preserving aesthetics and property value. Here are some key aspects of aging in place design and essential home modifications to ensure a secure and functional space for seniors.

Aging in Place Design

Aging in place design is about creating a living space that adapts to the changing needs of seniors. This approach emphasizes accessibility, safety, and ease of use, allowing older adults to navigate their homes with confidence and independence. In Charlotte, aging in place design is gaining popularity as more people are planning to remain in familiar surroundings rather than moving to assisted living facilities. By incorporating thoughtful design elements, we can make homes more accommodating and reduce the risk of accidents.

Key features of aging in place design include:

• Wide Doorways: Ensure ample space for wheelchairs and walkers to pass through comfortably. Expanding doorways to a minimum width of 32” can accommodate most mobility devices. Pocket doors or doors that swing open fully against the wall also help maximize space.
• Spacious Hallways: Similar to doorways, hallways should be wide enough to allow easy passage for mobility aids. Aim for a minimum hallway width of up to 48”, if possible.
• Good Lighting:  Ensure ample lighting throughout the home, particularly in hallways, staircases, and entryways. Use bright, energy-efficient LED bulbs and consider adding fixtures where necessary. Motion-sensor lights can be particularly useful in preventing falls at night.
• Easy-to-Use Fixtures: Lever-style door handles, touch-activated faucets, and large light switches are easier to use, particularly for those with arthritis.

Top Home Modifications for Aging in Place in Charlotte, NC

Home modifications are essential for creating a safe and comfortable environment for seniors. Here are some remodeling modifications we recommend:

• Ramps and Stair Lifts: Installing ramps for easy access to entrances is one thing you can do now and use later. When needed, we also recommend installing stair lifts for multi-level homes. An elevator is also something to consider.
• Handrails: Placing handrails in hallways and staircases for added support is another addition that makes sense at any age.
• Adjusting Countertops: Countertops heights can be adjusted for a variety of reasons, including to make them more ergonomic for different body types and to accommodate standing and seating positions as needed. They can also be motorized for adjusting countertop height in the same location.
• Accessible Outlets and Switches: Lower electrical outlets and switches to a height that can be easily reached from a seated position or wheelchair. Consider installing rocker switches, which are easier to operate than traditional toggle switches. Also, ensure that outlets are placed in convenient locations to reduce the need for extension cords, which can be a tripping hazard.

These modifications improve the overall functionality of the home, making daily tasks more manageable.

Transforming Bathrooms for Senior Safety

Bathrooms can pose significant risks for seniors due to slippery surfaces and limited mobility. Transforming bathrooms to enhance safety and accessibility is a crucial aspect of aging in place remodeling. The challenge is that homeowners want spaces that are beautiful today but functional as they age. Our team specializes in creating senior-friendly bathrooms:

• Walk-In Tubs and Roll-In Showers: We replace traditional tubs with walk-in models or install roll-in showers (that are zero-entry and wider) with built-in seating to prevent slips and falls.
• Non-Slip Flooring: Opting for non-slip tiles or vinyl flooring reduces the risk of accidents.
• Grab Bars and Handrails: Strategically placing grab bars near the toilet, shower, and bathtub offers added support when needed. When remodeling showers, we generally add solid blocking in the walls in several areas where handrails or grab bars can be securely installed in the future.
• Comfort Height Toilets: Installing Comfort Height makes sitting and standing easier for everyone – particularly for seniors with mobility issues. Now we can even install raised toilet seats to provide an additional five inches of toilet height.

By implementing these changes, we can significantly enhance bathroom safety.

Making Kitchens More Accessible

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and it should be accessible to everyone. Making kitchens more accessible involves thoughtful design and modifications to ensure ease of use and safety. Here’s how we transform kitchens for aging in place:

• Lowered Countertops and Cabinets: We install countertops and cabinets at a lower height to accommodate wheelchair users and reduce strain.
• Pull-Out Shelves and Drawers: Incorporating pull-out shelves and drawers eases access to items by limiting bending or reaching.
• Lever-Style Faucets and Touch-Activated Controls: Installing easy-to-use faucets and controls accommodates those with arthritis or limited hand strength.
• Task Lighting: Adding under-cabinet lighting and bright task lighting enhances visibility while cooking, doing meal prep and eating.

These modifications not only make the kitchen more functional but also allow seniors to continue enjoying cooking and meal preparation with greater independence.

Ensuring Safety in Living Rooms and Bedrooms

Living rooms and bedrooms are spaces where seniors spend a significant amount of time relaxing and sleeping. Ensuring safety in these areas is crucial for preventing accidents and creating a comfortable environment. Here are some common modifications:

• Non-Slip Flooring: We install carpeting or non-slip flooring to reduce the risk of falls. Luxury vinyl plank floors are waterproof and better for individuals who have mobility issues.
• Adequate Lighting: Well-lit pathways and motion-sensor lighting for nighttime trips to the bathroom ease traffic flow. One we really like is the LunAura collection by Broan. They have a square bathroom exhaust fan that pairs a bright fluorescent light with a blue LED night light that is gentler on the eyes at night.
• Furniture Arrangement: Simply moving furniture to create clear pathways and reduce clutter makes a tremendous difference in how a room feels.
• Bed and Chair Height: Adjusting the height of beds and chairs to make it easier for seniors to sit down and stand up makes everyday activities easier. There are remote control options for beds and chairs that can be extremely helpful, too.

By addressing these aspects, we create living spaces that are not only safe but also comfortable and inviting for seniors.

Leveraging Smart Home Technology for Seniors

Smart home technology offers innovative solutions to enhance the safety and convenience of aging in place. We integrate smart technology into our remodeling projects to provide seniors with greater control over their environment. Here are some smart home features that benefit seniors:

• Voice-Activated Assistants: Use devices like Amazon Echo or Google Home to control lights, thermostats, and appliances with voice commands.
• Smart Lighting: Install lighting systems that can be controlled remotely or set on timers to ensure proper illumination without having to think about it. Some devices can be controlled by your mobile phone. Kasa Smart Plug Mini 15A, Smart Home Wi-FI Outlet works with Alexa, Google Home & IFTTT with no hub required.
• Medical Alert Systems: These systems allow seniors to call for help in case of an emergency.
• Smart Locks and Security Systems: Enhance home security with smart locks and cameras that can be monitored remotely by family members if needed.

These technologies not only enhance safety but also provide peace of mind for both seniors and their families.

Aging in place is a growing trend among forward-thinking homeowners in the Charlotte area, and our company is dedicated to making homes safer, more accessible, and comfortable for all residents. By incorporating thoughtful design elements, essential home modifications, and smart technology, we create living spaces that support independence and enhance the quality of life for seniors. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you or your loved ones live safely and comfortably at home for years to come.

By: Gary Palmer, Licensed NC Residential General Contractor, and Licensed SC Residential Builder.

Need help determining whether a Charlotte remodeling project is right for your family? We are a full-service Design/Build Residential General Contractor. Reach out to us at https://palmercustombuilders.com/contact/ and we’ll discuss how we help you plan your dream home and avoid costly mistakes.