General Information

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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, 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