Independent Living – Design for Better Living

Many adults as they advance into older stages of life are choosing to stay in their homes. This ensures the utmost comfort and convenience. A well-thought out design can seamlessly complement the lifestyle of older adults and seniors and make everyday living ease. Whether you are aging in place at home or simply want a renovation to improve your comfort and match a more relaxed lifestyle, all you need is a better living design.

Kitchen Suggestions:

Change hardware: Faucets with levers are easier on the hands and better for those who have trouble reaching or with arthritis. Replacing cabinet knobs with oversized pulls is simple, and effective in helping people access their cabinets.
Improved lighting: Brighten the kitchen with good task lighting under the cabinets and/or above work areas, add more ceiling lighting. Other places to add lightning is in pantries, storage cabinets and entryways.
Appliances with ease of use features: Ovens and microwaves can be installed at a lower than normal height. Microwave drawers, refrigerator drawers, and built-in speed ovens can be installed in lower cabinets, which will be convenient and easy to use. Large handles can be an option for dishwashers, ovens and refrigerators.
Flooring: Non-slip flooring is very important; remember that water or other liquids can spill on a hard surface causing it to become slip hazard. Rugs and change of floor heights are a tripping hazard.
More Room: There needs to be enough space, ample room between cabinets to make getting and working together easier, especially if one needs a cane or walker.

Bathroom Suggestions:

Replace Toilet: Replacing a standard height toilet with a “Comfort Height” toilet makes the bathroom easier to use for all people, ages, height, and mobility levels.
Location: Locate the toilet 18 inches from the side walls, for freedom of access and installation of grab bars. There are now many attractive grab bars available that do not have the familiar commercial look.
Design: Select a flush handle that is easy to use and elongated bowl.
Lavatory: Place the sink as close as possible to the front of the cabinet for ease of access to the basin.
Cabinets: A removable cabinet allows conversion from a regular vanity to an accessible one.
Faucet: Install a faucet with lever handles, touch less or touch activated.
Plumbing: Exposed hot water lines and drain should be insulated or covered to prevent scalding of legs.
Shower: Curbless or roll over curb shower should be installed with a seat. Water controls located near the entry.

These are just a few improvements that can be made to your home to make it better and easier for more independent living. We have more ideas for special projects and improvements. Please contact us so we can partner with you and start improving your life.