Remodeling for Aging in Place

Bathroom Remodeling for Aging in Place

Bathrooms are one of the most important areas to address because water, hard surfaces, and tight layouts can create fall risks. Fortunately, many of the features that improve bathroom accessibility are also standard features in modern bathroom design.

Walk-In or Curbless Showers

A walk-in shower eliminates the need to step over a traditional bathtub wall or high shower curb. For even greater accessibility, a curbless shower creates a continuous floor surface between the bathroom and shower.

A larger shower also provides more room to maneuver with a walker or other mobility aid if needed later.

RIO Creations offers custom walk-in shower remodeling, making it possible to incorporate accessibility without sacrificing the look of the bathroom.

Built-In Shower Benches

A built-in shower bench provides a place to sit while bathing and can be designed as part of the shower rather than looking like an added medical accessory.

Pair it with a handheld showerhead so the water can be used comfortably while seated. A recessed shower niche can keep shampoo, soap, and other products within easy reach without adding shelves that stick out into the shower.

Grab Bars That Look Like Part of the Design

Grab bars do not have to look institutional. Today, they are available in a variety of finishes and styles that coordinate with faucets, shower fixtures, and other bathroom hardware.

If you are remodeling before you need them, it is also worth planning for future grab bars during construction. Properly placed structural support behind the walls makes it easier to add them later without having to open the finished wall.

Easy-to-Use Fixtures

Small fixture changes can make a bathroom easier to use:

• Lever-style or touchless faucets
• Comfort-height toilets
• Handheld showerheads
• Large-format, slip-resistant flooring
• Drawers instead of deep vanity cabinets
• Bright, layered lighting
• Rocker-style light switches

These features are useful regardless of age, which is one reason they work well in a residential design.

Kitchen Remodeling for Better Mobility

An accessible kitchen does not need to look different from any other updated kitchen. The goal is to reduce unnecessary reaching, bending, lifting, and walking while keeping the kitchen functional and attractive.

Make Storage Easier to Reach

Deep lower cabinets can require a lot of bending and reaching. Replace some of them with pull-out drawers or shelves so frequently used cookware, dishes, and pantry items are easier to access.

D-shaped cabinet pulls are another simple improvement. They are easier to grasp than small knobs, particularly for anyone with limited hand strength or dexterity.

Clear and Open Pathways

A kitchen layout should provide enough room to move comfortably between the refrigerator, sink, cooktop, and other frequently used areas. When remodeling, consider whether an island is actually helping the layout or creating an obstacle. A slightly smaller island with more clearance around it can be more functional than trying to maximize countertop space.

Open floor plans can also make it easier to navigate the kitchen with a walker or wheelchair and provide better visibility throughout the space.

Multiple Counter Heights

A single standard countertop height does not work equally well for everyone. Incorporating a lower section of countertop can create a comfortable area for someone who prefers to sit while preparing food.

This can be incorporated into an island or peninsula so it looks intentional rather than like an accessibility modification.

Accessible Appliances

Appliance placement matters as much as the appliances themselves. A wall oven can eliminate some of the bending associated with a traditional oven, while a side-by-side refrigerator can make both the refrigerator and freezer easier to access.

Keep frequently used small appliances and cooking supplies within comfortable reach instead of storing them on high shelves. RIO Creations approaches kitchen remodeling around how the homeowner actually uses the space, rather than simply replacing cabinets and countertops.

Main Entryways

The entryway is another area where a few design changes can make a significant difference.

No-Step Entries

If possible, include at least one entrance with a level or low-threshold entry. Eliminating a step makes it easier to enter the home with a walker, wheelchair, or rolling cart and also reduces a common tripping hazard.

If a completely level entry is not possible, a properly designed ramp or other solution can improve accessibility.

Widen Doorways Where Needed

Narrow doorways can become a problem when using a walker or wheelchair. During a remodel, widening a doorway can provide significantly more clearance without requiring a major change to the room itself.

Swing-clear hinges can also create additional usable doorway space without replacing the entire door.

Replace Round Doorknobs

Lever handles are easier to operate than traditional round knobs and can be used without the same gripping and twisting motion. They are a simple universal-design upgrade that works well with almost any interior style.

Improve Lighting and Add a Place to Sit

Good lighting is especially important around entrances, steps, and changes in flooring. Consider motion-activated exterior lighting and brighter interior lighting near the entry.

A built-in bench or attractive entryway seat can also provide a convenient place to sit while putting on or removing shoes. It can double as a design feature and storage solution.

Accessibility Doesn’t Have to Look Institutional

The key to successful aging-in-place remodeling is incorporating accessibility into the overall design rather than adding equipment as an afterthought.

Instead of a traditional grab bar, choose one that matches the bathroom hardware. Instead of a freestanding shower chair, build a tiled bench into the shower. Instead of adding a ramp to the front of the house later, consider how a no-step entrance could be incorporated into the original design.

The same principle applies throughout the home. Wide doorways, open layouts, pull-out storage, lever handles, improved lighting, and easy-to-use fixtures can make a home more comfortable without making it look like an accessible facility. These improvements also benefit guests, children, and anyone temporarily dealing with an injury or mobility limitation.

Build the Home You Want to Stay In

Aging in place does not necessarily mean making every possible accessibility modification today. It means thinking ahead about how your home can continue to work for you as your needs change.

Some homeowners may only need a few changes, while others may benefit from a larger renovation that addresses multiple areas at once. Starting with the rooms you use most often can help prioritize the improvements that will have the greatest impact.

At RIO Creations, we help homeowners in Knoxville and throughout East Tennessee design and remodel kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas of the home around the way they actually live. A remodel can improve accessibility while still looking like your home, with finishes and design choices that fit your style.

If you are considering a remodel for aging in place, planning these features during the design stage can make your home safer, more comfortable, and easier to use for years to come.