Do you dream of staying in your home forever? Updating your house so it functions throughout your retirement years is easier than you might imagine.
With a few simple updates, your home can become the perfect oasis to help you age gracefully.
1. Create No-Step Access
Something many seniors struggle with is difficulty navigating stairs. To keep your home accessible to the outdoors, consider creating a point of no-step access.
You can remodel a door or a large window into an entry that stays level to the ground – without any need to step up.
Complete this process with a contractor to ensure you keep your home properly sealed against water damage. You may need to install a drainage system depending on your location.
2. Lay New Flooring
Falls accounted for 32% of preventable injuries in the United States in 2019. One way to secure yourself from accidental falls is to refresh your old flooring.
Short-nap carpet or non-slick hard flooring is the best option to prevent a fall. You should not slide around on your floors while wearing socks, and you don’t want to get tripped up by a high carpet nap.
Also, consider using uniform flooring throughout your home to reduce height differences between rooms. If you are not paying attention, even small lips and bumps can cause a fall.
3. Install a Home Elevator
If you live in a multilevel home, you should consider installing a home elevator. These are available in various styles and price points and increase your options for mobility.
Home elevators are different from the clunky, dusty lifts you’ve used in office buildings and department stores. They are designed to seamlessly blend into your home, adding elegance as well as functionality.
In addition to reducing your dependence on stairs, elevators are fun to ride and bring benefits like helping you move groceries, laundry and elderly pets between different floors.
4. Update Shelving
To reduce the need for reaching and lifting overhead, consider lowering the shelving and cabinet units in your kitchen and bathroom.
Installing pull-out drawers will also make your kitchen cabinets more accessible. This storage solution is easier to clean and access and is kinder to your body.
Many modern cabinets are designed with seniors in mind and blend updated style with long-term functionality. You can even consider open shelving. It shouldn’t be difficult to find exactly what you’re looking for.
5. Add a Walk-in Shower
Getting in and out of the bathtub is a struggle for many seniors. The best solution for updating this space is to renovate it so there are no steps required.
Walk-in showers are designed to keep water out of the rest of your bathroom while easing access to showering facilities. They come in many beautiful designs and can be tailored to suit your individual style and preferences.
Refresh Your Home
Aging gracefully at home is something you can thoughtfully prepare for. Updating safety and accessibility is a wise way to get ready for the unknowns of the future.
Follow these five tips to design intentional spaces that will support you and your family for many years to come.
Author bio: Rose Morrison is the managing editor of Renovated, where she offers advice on home renovation, maintenance, and organization.
