Can You Age in Place?

Phoenix Kitchen Remodeling Republic West Remodeling 003While some retirees downsize to a smaller home, millions of others choose to remain in their current home. In fact, approximately 90 percent of retirees recently surveyed said they want to stay put, according to the AARP Public Policy Institute. Staying in your home, many strongly believe, allows you to remain closer to family members, as well as remain involved in your community.

So, do you think you will be able to “age in place”? Or, in other words, safely negotiate your home if and when your physical and mental faculties start to naturally decline?

Is Your Home ‘Age-Friendly?’

It’s no surprise that many homes were not originally built to accommodate people with various levels of physical limitations. It’s important to realize that you may need to alter your home to accommodate your changing needs. And in some cases, you may need to decide if the costs associated with tweaking your current home are completely worth it.

There are, however, some subtle features that show to improve accessibility. For example, adding bright lighting in stairwells and hallways; using sturdy handrails and grab bars in bathrooms; and using nonslip surfaces throughout your home, especially in bathrooms and kitchens.

AARP provides an extensive list of age-friendly features here. Here’s our quick list of potential age-friendly features for your home:

  • A clear/turn space of five feet by five feet in the following: living area, kitchen, a bedroom and a bathroom.
  • Bright lighting everywhere, especially around doors.
  • Accessible path of travel to the home.
  • At least one, no-step entry with a cover.
  • There should be 32 inches of clear door width, which requires a 36-inch door.
  • Lowered windows or taller windows with lower sill height. Easy-to-operate hardware for windows and doors.

When choosing a remodeling contractor in Phoenix, it’s important to find a company you trust. Call Republic West Remodeling today. We are here to help.

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