| "> | | | | - Mini threshold ramps at all entry doors |
| The population is aging. It's no secret that at least in | | | | Most of these are fairly simple or relatively |
| the western world, people are living longer and | | | | inexpensive changes that home owners can often |
| craving their independence. And with age comes | | | | make without professional labor. Even when |
| special needs. | | | | professional labor is needed, they are not time |
| Lately, I've become far more aware of these special | | | | consuming or expensive projects. |
| needs. My parents are both in their 80s and living in a | | | | Advantages of a Handicap Accessible Renovation |
| small 3 bedroom, two bath home. My mom is | | | | Whether you're looking to your own future or helping |
| confined to a wheelchair or scooter 90 % of the | | | | aging relatives in their homes or yours, there are |
| time and my dad is using a cane, walker, and at | | | | good reasons to pursue this home improvement. |
| times a wheelchair or scooter. | | | | 1) The growth of the aging population is creating |
| Typical Renovations to Improve Living | | | | more demand. With this demand comes added value |
| The physical challenges that come with age can be | | | | if your home can accommodate them. |
| mitigated with some basic renovations. People want | | | | 2) The strong desire most people hold for |
| their independence regardless of their age. It really | | | | independence is only enhanced as they age. You |
| doesn't take a whole lot to accommodate them and | | | | often don't realize how crucial this is until you face |
| restore freedoms that they are beginning to lose. | | | | losing it. As we age, we're faced with losing many |
| Here are just a few examples of what I mean. | | | | freedoms and the home environment is a place |
| - Off-set door hinges that increase doorway opening | | | | where we can make some changes to gain this back. |
| widths by up to two inches | | | | 3) The cost of elder care continues to rise |
| - Exterior ramps to porches and entry doors | | | | dramatically. As it does, it becomes more cost |
| - Railings in hallways | | | | effective to house people in their own homes or |
| - Rearranging furniture to unclutter hallways and | | | | relatives homes. |
| entries | | | | It's a mobility issue more than a health issue. I know |
| - Widening walk-in closet doors | | | | that the changes we've made in my parents home |
| - Floor coverings that facilitate scooters, walkers, | | | | are greatly appreciated. They are simple things that |
| wheelchairs, etc. | | | | did not cost much but the benefits are huge. As far |
| - Taller toilet seats for the commodes | | | | as healthcare goes, if a house is properly set up, |
| - Hand held shower head sprayers | | | | nursing care can be handled right in the home. |
| - Higher electrical outlets and lower light switches | | | | |