In the past decade, a rapid increase of “Aging-in-Place” or “Retirement Remodeling” construction projects have begun in American homes.
Today’s population is living longer than ever before. As the baby boomers grow older and start to see changes within themselves, they begin to consider remodeling. More simply put, “Population explosion” equals “home remodeling explosion!”
“Aging-in-place” builders have noted a 75 percent increase in remodeling projects. What has caused this project increase? Current economic trends cause retirees to choose Aging-in-Place remodeling as opposed to retirement home living. Aging consumers, lacking financial confidence, are aggressively safeguarding their bank accounts. With pricey entrance fees and monthly “rentals,” retirement communities can quickly drain a savings account.
By the time a couple retires, most likely their mortgages are paid in full. It makes good economic sense to modify their homes to accommodate their changing needs rather than uproot and begin paying hefty fees. What kind of changes can a retiree anticipate that would cause them to consider “aging-in-place” options?
1. As you age, your fall risk increases. Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries and death by injury. People over 75 who fall are up to five times more likely to be admitted to a long-term care facility for more than a year with a broken hip or other major injury. It is imperative that retirees think about “fall proofing” their homes.
Consider the bathroom to be the most potentially dangerous area of your home! Alarmingly, most people don’t modify their bathrooms until after a catastrophe. Changes to consider are: adding grab bars around commodes and showers which should be low-threshold with non-slip flooring and bathtub surfaces and improved lighting. Ensure that there is ALWAYS something to “grab” within one’s reach. Safe bathrooms CANNOT be over-emphasized. A grab bar can be your lifeline. A Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist should assess your bathroom.
2. Interior steps aren’t as easy to master as they once were. Bad knees? Out of breath when climbing stairs? By now you are saying, “I knew we should have bought a single-level home!” Easy access to the upstairs is assured with a “stairlift”. This motorized chair easily and safely transports you to the upper level of your home. With no more regrets about the unused space upstairs due to challenging stair climbing.
3. Exterior steps have become a challenge. Aging-in-place experts, understanding that gaining access to your home from the outside can be burdensome, can install rails, ramps, or even change the driveway grade to make it easier to enter your home.
4. “I can’t reach that!” Closet shelves and rods can be lowered and kitchens remodeled to make items easier to reach.
5. Multiple generations of families end up living together. With increased longevity, retirees find themselves caring for their very elderly parents. The “very elderly” are often walker-dependent and even wheelchair-bound. Walkers and wheelchairs call for widened doors and ramp installation. These individuals also require “roll in” showers. Your Aging-in-Place professional can advise in these areas.
Aging-in-Place remodeling not only assists you in making life easier and safer as you age; it also adds to your peace of mind, knowing your financial “nest egg” remains in these uncertain economic times.