Renovation Tips from an Expert
Finding the perfect shower curtain for the aging-in-place home is no easy task. It’s hard to check off all the boxes. It has to be waterproof, prevent slippery floors, provide privacy — but most of all, it has to be mold-resistant. Mold and mildew buildup can create an unhealthy environment for your loved one, something … Read more
When the time comes to begin an aging-in-place remodel, it’s important to take into consideration everyday items in the home that may become potential obstacles. One obstacle that may arise is the kitchen faucet. Whether it’s a decrease in hand strength, an increase in temperature sensitivity or a variety of other challenges, the right kitchen … Read more
Most people associate arthritis with hands, but knees, backs, and legs can all suffer from arthritis, as well. An area of the home that is particularly hard on aching joints is a staircase. Most homes include a set of stairs in one room or another. Most homes are multi-level living, and even ranch homes tend … Read more
If you’re an avid reader of this site, you probably know that I greatly prefer handles and levers to knobs and handlesets. This is because any entry hardware that requires you to squeeze or depress something causes pain for those with arthritis. That’s why I really like levers for passage doors around the house, and … Read more
According to the National Institute on Aging, nearly 80% of falls happen in the bathroom. As an aging-in-place contractor, I can vouch for the importance of bathroom safety and the peace of mind a redesign can bring for you and your loved ones. Converting your current tub/shower combo into a zero-threshold shower is one of … Read more
Have you ever taken a count of how many doors you open, walk through, and close in a day? The answer may be surprising. If you have limited mobility, use a walking aid, or have arthritis in your hands and wrists, opening and closing doors could become a larger obstacle to your independence as you … Read more
Passage door levers can play an important role when upgrading the aging-in-place home. The purpose of these door handles is to provide a non-locking system for hallways, closets, and rooms that don’t need privacy. One benefit of switching out door knobs for passage levers is they are easier to open for older adults with arthritis. … Read more
Mounted automatic dispensers can be extremely beneficial in the aging-of-place home, and especially those who have arthritis. The most helpful feature is the automatic dispensing. It can be hard for older adults with arthritis to press in buttons or pumps on dispensers, so being able to automatically dispense products without using their hands works great. … Read more
If you are looking to upgrade the aging-in-place home, consider swapping out the pre-existing cabinet handles and drawer pulls for chrome handles. Chrome handles are stylish and sleek and can immediately make any room look more modern. They are also easier to grab and pull open compared to a small knob. If your loved one … Read more
If you are upgrading your loved one’s home to make it more aging-in-place friendly, switching out doorknobs for door levers is a great place to start. It can be hard for those with arthritis in their hands to grasp onto doorknobs and turn them without resulting in pain. Door levers are much easier to turn … Read more
Medical alert technology is a great idea for your loved ones who may live alone in an aging-in-place home. These different devices can alert medical professionals and family members that they need help in an emergency situation. There’s a variety of styles including lanyards, bracelets, or panic buttons. The Best Medical Alert Products Assistive Technology … Read more
Smart speakers are a great addition to the Aging-in-Place home. While some may try and stay away from newer technology, these speakers are easy to use and worth the money. Not only do smart speakers play music from multiple streaming services, they can also play audiobooks and podcasts. Many smart speakers come with Alexa or … Read more
If your loved one is struggling with the hassle of using small keys, perhaps because of arthritis or pain in the hands, smart locks are a great solution. Most smart locks can be controlled from a phone or use a keypad instead of a key to unlock, making it easier to lock and unlock. You … Read more
Shower Hose Extenders are an aging-in-place upgrade that serves a few beneficial purposes for your loved ones. They make cleaning showers or bathtubs extremely simple by allowing you to reach all corners of the area without reaching too far or risking slipping inside of the shower. Shower hose extenders also make it easier to wash … Read more
In the aging-in-place home, it’s important for your loved one to have a shower head that is versatile to perfectly fit their shower head style, and also adjust to the ideal height and angle. Making sure the shower head extension is easy to adjust and high quality to ensure no leaking or breaks is also … Read more
As your loved ones get older and their eyes start changing, it may be harder to see in the mirror when getting ready if it’s against the wall and unaccessible. Swing arm mirrors are a reliable solution for this problem. They are easy to move in and out and adjust to the perfect spot. Not … Read more
I’m a huge fan of grab bars in the aging-in-place home. As an aging-in-place DIYer, I’m sure by now you’ve read about the importance of having sturdy grab bars in the bathroom as older adults safely make their way in and out of the shower. And yet, grab bars have the power to do so … Read more
The bathroom can be a scary place for adults as they age. Older adults slip and fall in the bathroom at a higher rate than any other room in the home. And, the fear of falling in the shower or while at the sink is a real worry for older adults that often adds another … Read more
Innovations to Make Aging-in-Place with Arthritis Easier and Less Painful Arthritis doesn’t give old, sore hands a moment’s rest. Every movement you make is a reminder of how even small tasks like opening up a drawer can make living at home as you age so much harder. Smart aging-in-place design doesn’t just protect older adults … Read more
After you complete a home painting project, I’m willing to bet you understand the difference between a good quality painting tool and a bad one. There’s nothing more frustrating than a brush that creates a sea of paint streaks or a roller that leaves lint behind. If you can relate, you’re probably not surprised to … Read more
You may not think much about running out of the house when you’re late for an appointment or walking in with an arm full of groceries. But, when you’re older, walking out the door and coming back inside start to become a challenge. Sore joints, mobility issues, and difficulty maintaining balance start to interfere with … Read more
I always tell the DIYers I work with that once your renovations are complete, the job of creating a safe aging-in-place home has just begun. Why? Because all it takes is one whirlwind of clutter sweeping across the living room to reduce your parent’s ability to stay safe. Keeping clutter at bay is as important … Read more
40+ years of clothes, shoes, jewelry, bags, blankets – it’s a lot to ask one room to hold. With so many things tucked into one space, the aging-in-place bedroom can be one of the more difficult spaces to declutter. But that’s also why it’s such an important room to tackle. Your parent needs to be … Read more
Safety is the big concern with every aging-in-place bathroom renovation. What many aging-in-place DIYers don’t realize, however, is that once the renovation is complete, the work to keep the bathroom safe is far from over – and the battle against bathroom clutter begins. Bathroom Clutter Creates Major Safety Issues for Older Adults Cluttered bathrooms and … Read more
Take a walk around your parent’s kitchen. Peek inside a few cabinets, look under the sink, and notice what’s on the countertop. Are you bombarded by clutter? If you are, then you have some work to do. A cluttered kitchen makes cooking and cleaning more difficult if your parent can’t find what they need. And, … Read more
Years after the aging-in-place trend first took off, and as more and more older adults choose to live at home as they age, I’m still surprised by how many misconceptions there are about aging-in-place design. These misconceptions have spurred major aging-in-place renovation myths and, as a result, confusion has taken hold. To make good decisions, … Read more
The goal of every one of my aging-in-place renovations is to create a home that older adults can live in safely and independently for years to come. Traditionally, aging-in-place design has focused almost exclusively on physical safety. Lately, though, many of my clients have mentioned the improvements some aging-in-place projects have made to their parent’s … Read more
Most of the DIYers I speak with who are trying their hand at creating an aging-in-place home are facing the same challenges and asking the same questions as everyone else. Renovating an aging-in-place home isn’t easy, especially with all of the added safety considerations needed for your parent to live at home longer. In this … Read more
As you’re planning your major aging-in-place home remodeling and renovation projects, my guess is that decluttering isn’t on your short list of to-dos. However, clutter can be a big safety issue in aging-in-place homes. The most obvious benefit of decluttering: removing clutter means you’re removing tripping hazards. Beyond physical safety, an aging-in-place home should care … Read more
When I begin a new aging-in-place home renovation project, my clients always want to talk about installing non-slip floors throughout the house, renovating the master bath to include a zero-threshold shower, adding lots of light, and other big projects. The same is true when I talk to DIYers. Less often do I get asked about … Read more
Imagine if your parents’ home had the intelligence to take care of them (almost) as well as you do. For the first time in history, we can control our homes with just the tap of a screen or the sound of our voice. Today, adults with mobility issues can see who’s at the door without … Read more
It’s not easy to get from the car to the front door and into the house without the help of exterior lighting. We’ve all been there – standing at the door in the dark fumbling for the house key and then struggling to fit the key into the doorknob. Now imagine yourself in that scenario … Read more
When you’re renovating to make your parent’s home safer as they age, the biggest challenge can many times be trying to create the ideal aging-in-place home within the constraints of the current floorplan. One such example – a small bathroom. Older homes don’t always have the big beautiful master baths that we’re used to seeing … Read more
Recessed lighting is a relatively cost-effective way to add a beautiful finishing touch to any room in the home. And yet this kind of lighting often gets placed in the home improvement box labeled ‘luxury’ and ignored by budget-conscious DIYers. The truth is that recessed lights are as economical and practical as they are stylish, … Read more
There are so many considerations to make when we’re looking at a kitchen renovation for an aging-in-place home. Most of the homeowners I work with have the obvious jobs planned for, like adding a slip-resistant floor or installing lights underneath cabinets. These updates help with mobility and eye-sight issues as adults age – two critical … Read more
One of the most common questions I hear from aging-in-place DIYers is ‘where do I start?’. If you have the luxury of time and can afford to slowly make upgrades to an aging-in-place home, there’s no right or wrong answer. If, however, your parent is already in need of serious safety upgrades, my advice is … Read more
As people begin to age in their homes, there comes a time when either they or their family members start questioning whether staying home is the safest option, and rightfully so. Traditional homes offer many obstacles such as stairs, slippery floors, high cabinets, less-than-ideal lighting for aging eyes, and numerous other challenges for older adults. … Read more
I talk to experienced aging-in-place DIYers all of the time, and they always tell me the same thing – kitchen renovations are the most overwhelming part of their aging-in-place home upgrade. Even during a traditional kitchen renovation, there are countless design options and decisions to make. When you add in the aging-in-place requirements necessary to … Read more
If you’re just starting to think about an upcoming small bathroom remodel for aging in place, your head is probably spinning. There’s so much to consider in a standard bathroom remodel. With the added layer of creating a safe bathroom for aging in place, you have what can feel like a million decisions to make. … Read more
Safety is always my number one focus when I’m renovating any aging-in-place home. And, nowhere is safety more critical for your parent than in the bathroom. The bathroom is by far the most common room in the home for an older adult to fall and become seriously injured. You can imagine how dangerous a wet … Read more
As we age, our eyes start to play tricks on us. It gets harder to see clearly, especially in low-lit rooms and this is compounded further by our reduced ability to define contrast in low light. You can imagine the dangers of an older adult trying to navigate a dark home. It’s a perfect recipe … Read more
Decades ago, thermostats were clunky boxes controlled by a mercury switch. They hung on the wall in just about every room in the house, and they were certainly nothing to look at. The thermostats I used growing up were always difficult to control and hard to read – even for young eyes. You can imagine … Read more
Light equals safety when you’re aging in place. Older eyes need more light than younger eyes, but it’s not just the quantity of the light that matters – it’s the quality of light and how it’s used around your home. Quality light also contributes to comfort, confidence and overall wellbeing. If your parent can see … Read more
Anyone who’s lived with a deep pantry knows the struggle of losing cans and boxes to the back of the cabinet, never to be seen again. Pull out pantries are a great addition to any kitchen. They let you see everything and keep it all within reach. For an aging-in-place kitchen, I consider pull out … Read more
Removing the need to bend down low or reach up high is one of the pillars of smart aging-in-place design. Take a look around your home right now. Count the number of electrical outlets along the floor that you need to bend down to reach. Now, count the number of outlets at waist level. As … Read more
Our eyes go through a lot of changes as we age. Yes, older adults are known for turning the font size on their phones way up and holding books at arm’s length. The real challenges that aged eyes face, though, is in seeing small details, color contrast and the distinction between light and dark. Our … Read more
Aging-in-place home lighting can be tricky. On one hand, your home needs to be well lit so you, your parent, or loved one can safely see where they’re going. However, as we age our eyes become more sensitive to light and even moderately bright lights can cause discomfort or headaches. An easy-to-use dimmer switch is … Read more
Kitchen cabinet pulls and bathroom drawer knobs are minor considerations in your overall DIY aging-in-place home renovation project, right? Wrong! Our hands stiffen and become sore with age – there’s no way around it. Large or small, any product you’re incorporating into your remodel that impacts an older adult’s hands needs to measure up to … Read more
Older adults slip and fall in the bathroom at a higher rate than any other room in the home. The bathroom can be a scary place for adults as they age. And the fear of falling in the shower or while at the sink is a real worry that often adds another layer of stress … Read more
What I love about aging-in-place design is the way a simple, easy home upgrade can instantly make a huge difference for an older adult. As a DIYer planning major aging-in-place upgrades, it’s easy to forget that there are a lot of simple things you can do to make aging-in-place safe and enjoyable. And, best of … Read more
Our job as aging-in-place builders and designers is to make life easier, less painful, and more comfortable for older adults. Something as simple as a smart storage solution that makes everyday household items easier to reach can help us make big progress towards this goal. Let’s take a look at the bathroom – the room … Read more
Reducing the likelihood of a slip or fall is aging-in-place design 101. In the kitchen, this means doing away with appliances that cause an older adult to reach or bend over. And, this becomes even more important when we’re talking about reaching over a hot surface where a slip or fall can result in a … Read more
Believe it or not, it is possible to find aging-in-place kitchen flooring that’s safe, cost-effective and easy to install. Helping my clients find the right kitchen flooring material that checks all of these boxes is a big part of my job. If you’re a DIYer, however, and you don’t have a professional contractor by your … Read more
A relaxing shower can provide a lot of therapeutic health benefits for an older adult aging in place. However, it can also be one of the most dangerous activities your parent or loved one does each day. Building a shower with proper aging-in-place design features will help them live independently for a much longer period … Read more
I can’t overemphasize the importance of safety in the aging-in-place bathroom. It’s the most common room in the home for an older adult to get hurt and seriously injured. And it’s no surprise why. Bathroom floors easily get wet and showers have to withstand slippery soaps and shampoos that cling to the shower floor. Unless … Read more
Making decisions that impact the potential safety and wellbeing of your loved one as they age in place isn’t easy. When I talk with DIYers planning an aging-in-place home renovation, the stress of choosing the safest products seems especially high in the kitchen – a potentially dangerous room in the home where slips, falls and … Read more
Designing any kitchen – especially an aging-in-place kitchen – can be an extremely overwhelming task. Before you start sketching, shopping and comparing color swatches, keep in mind that there are really only three primary goals for an aging-in-place kitchen. Reduce Pain Increase Comfort Create a Safe Environment As you work through your aging-in-place kitchen plans, … Read more
When I talk with DIYers in the early planning stages of an aging-in-place bathroom renovation, they almost always ask me which bathroom faucets are the safest and which one they should buy. My answer: an ADA-compliant bathroom faucet from Delta. Why ADA-Compliant? Back in the ‘90s, the American Disabilities Act, or ADA, was passed mandating … Read more
When I talk to homeowners about painting a bathroom for aging in place, just about every one of them desperately wants to know how to make painting behind the toilet easier. Here’s what I tell them: “If you’re attempting to paint behind your toilet without the right tools and know-how, you might as well be … Read more
When you set out to find the perfect shower faucet for your aging-in-place bathroom remodel, you’ll need to think beyond your parent’s favorite color, finish or style. In order for a bathroom faucet to be safe enough for an older adult to age in place successfully, shower faucets have to meet a set of strict … Read more
Today’s paint trends have most of us painting white walls in white kitchens with pops of grays and blues spread throughout the rest of the house. If you’re planning to paint an aging-in-place home, however, steer clear of soft colors that blend from one room to another. Instead, look for a mix of high-contrast paint … Read more
A fresh coat of paint is a beautiful thing. There’s no easier way to immediately make your surroundings look fresh and clean, and it can make a huge difference in the way older adults feel about their home. If you’re a DIY painting novice or if it’s been a while since you picked up a … Read more
Painting may very well be the most popular home DIY project. It’s relatively easy, doesn’t break the bank, and it’s a job you can usually finish in a weekend or two. For the aging-in-place home, updating the color on the walls can provide a lot of benefits. Why Does Paint Matter When You’re Upgrading a … Read more
For older adults aging in place, especially those living with arthritis, simple tasks like opening and closing doors can be extremely painful. Swapping out door knobs for easy-to-open door levers is a great way to immediately reduce the discomfort older adults with arthritis experience in their home. Installing a new door lever is almost always … Read more
As we age, our muscles tire out and our joints get stiff. If you’ve watched your parents grow older, you’ve seen how simple things like opening and closing the front door or a kitchen drawer are now a challenge. And, sometimes even painful. There are a lot of aging-in-place renovations that you can make to … Read more
When we talk about aging-in-place renovations, we tend to focus on safety upgrades to bathrooms, kitchens, doorways, and the other main living areas of a home. The foyer is one area that usually gets overlooked. And yet, it can be an equally dangerous place for seniors. Think about the rain, mud, and snow that you … Read more
Doorways can be dangerous areas of the home for older adults choosing to age in place. The slight rise in elevation that the threshold creates is a tripping hazard for those with mobility issues. It can also present an obstacle for those using a walker and can make it difficult to get around the house … Read more
Our shower can become a dangerous place as we age. Nearly one in three injuries among elderly adults happens in the bathroom, most while showering or bathing. Traditional bathrooms have high-threshold tubs and getting in and out is one of the biggest challenges for someone who’s bound to a wheelchair or has any type of … Read more
One of the biggest challenges I see time and time again in aging in place design is figuring out how to help someone safely move from room to room in their home. And, when that aging parent or friend relies on a wheelchair or faces other mobility issues, accessibility becomes an even greater challenge. Modern … Read more
Kitchens and bathrooms are notorious danger zones, but with the right type of flooring products, they don’t have to be. Here are four products that can improve your safety and elevate your quality of life in these rooms.
As we age, it’s natural for our eyes to begin to change. Those natural changes, however, affect everyone differently. Some older adults may not be able to make out small details like they once could, while others may develop an increased sensitivity to glare. The simple addition of lamps and light fixtures can help reduce … Read more
Unlike most home renovation projects, an aging-in-place project aims to make a home more safe and age-friendly. That may mean maintaining the look, feel, and style of the home even though substantial changes are made to the property. For condominiums, this can be particularly challenging due to two main factors: the rules and regulations of … Read more
When approaching an aging-in-place remodel, it’s important that all homeowners take a look at their environment and identify potential obstacles that could impact their daily life. One of those obstacles may be the type of faucets and sinks around the home. Kitchen and bathroom faucets provide a unique challenge for aging adults. Limited dexterity, worsening … Read more
When beginning the transition to age in place, just about all of my clients ask me if their home is going to look clinical or institutional after the renovations are done. The answer is “no” – no one aging in place should have to sacrifice design and aesthetics for function and safety. Finding stylish aging-in-place … Read more
While America may be graying, our society is changing by the minute. Technological advancements have impacted almost every aspect of our lives, and it’s safe to say this trend will continue. Smart technology has been a huge asset for aging-in-place design. Today, a wide range of assistive devices are available to help retirement-age adults stay … Read more
Aging in Place – Frequently Asked Questions What is AIP? Aging in Place, commonly shortened to AIP, is when a person makes the conscious decision to stay in their home as they age. In order to do so, they may incorporate home modifications to improve their living conditions and maintain a good quality of life. … Read more
Creating an environment that’s both aesthetically pleasing and functional for your aging-in-place home may seem like a huge undertaking. Most people have a misconception that aging in place means creating a sterile environment that feels more like a medical facility than a home. I can tell you that not only is this not true, but … Read more
Whether you’re entering retirement or experiencing it, remodeling your home has probably been on your mind for a while. Now, it’s finally time to implement all the ideas you’ve had during your working years and make your dreams a reality in your golden ones. As you start to plan, focus on creating a home that … Read more
The Five Types of AIP Design and How They Impact Aging Adults You’re ready to begin your aging in place project, but the design options seem infinite. You know there are some basic features, but the design must be right for you, your friends, and your family. Choosing the right design is key to having … Read more
What You Can Expect from Your Aging in Place Contractor Estimate Thinking about remodeling your home for aging in place? If so, you’ll need to understand the importance of an accurate contractor estimate. This means becoming familiar with the terminology contractors use and ensuring the estimate includes every detail of the scope of work you … Read more
From holidays to birthdays to special occasions to the everyday meals you make for the ones you love, the kitchen is where the heart blossoms and memories are made. Choosing to age in your home does not mean these traditions need to be tossed aside. The right countertops can bring a lot of added safety … Read more
The kitchen is typically one of the rooms in which you spend large amounts of time, whether it be creating a meal for one, or inviting family and friends to join you. When adapting a kitchen for aging in place, it’s important for the kitchen to retain that significance, so that you may keep alive … Read more
Adapting Your Home Lighting for Aging in Place Those of us who are of retirement age, may not realize it at first, but one of the most important aspects to a home renovation is lighting. The eyes of a 30-year-old and the eyes of a 60-year-old see the world very differently, both metaphorically and literally. … Read more
Toilets are sometimes seen as a one-size-fits-all fixture, but there are a variety of different styles that cater to the aging in place population.