Aging, even aging gracefully, often means considering a move to a retirement community that offers assisted living. Another option—making homes more livable—can allow seniors to ‘age in place,’ saving them the cost, physical stress and psychological pain of relocation. Mike Thomas of Copper River Cabinet Company and Kevin Hunter of Windows, Doors & More have plenty of ideas about products and architectural designs that can give people who want to age at home the freedom to do so.

“Plan to make changes before you need to make them,” says Thomas, a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), a designation by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in collaboration with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). 

To earn the CAPS designation, Thomas went through intensive training in the varied needs of people as they age as well as strategies for designing and building barrier-free living environments that are suitable for a home rather than suggestive of institutional living. 

“Every situation is different,” he says. “We can help people think through their needs and what can be done in their homes to accommodate those needs aesthetically and cost-effectively.”

At Windows, Doors & More, Hunter and designer Sherri Ayres agree that every person’s situation is unique. 

“Our clients want to know how they can stay in their homes,” says Hunter. “Based on what we learn about space and needs when we visit the home, we make suggestions. We can handle the entire remodeling project,” he adds, noting that his 29-year-old business has evolved into a full-service remodeling company.

Here are some suggestions to guide homeowners as life-altering changes necessitate home-altering projects.

Bathroom

“Probably the number one bathroom remodeling project is replacing a traditional tub/shower with a walk-in shower,” says Hunter. 

The expansive showroom at Windows, Doors & More includes a space dedicated to displaying specialty features for bathrooms. Seats, grab bars, handheld or adjustable showerheads, customized shower doors, as well as elevated stools and raised vanities improve safety and comfort. Arthritic hands especially appreciate touch-activated rather than twist-style faucets.

“I can envision the final product,” says Thomas. “I can illustrate it for the customer and make it decorative so that it doesn’t have an institutionalized look.” 

Kitchen

Accessibility is a focal point for kitchen remodeling; determining how the homeowner uses the kitchen is key to customizing. In-home consultations enable designers to better understand how space can be redefined to meet needs. 

“One option is to install a simple hydraulic assist mechanism in cabinets that can lower or raise shelves,” says Thomas. Redefining space might include adding a sliding shelf inside a lower cabinet. Adding a non-stationary island can increase counter space. 

“An island can be a piece of furniture rather than a built-in structure,” says Hunter. “It can be moved as needed.” 

Experienced designers can help people think about possible changes in their needs and suggest remodeling choices now that can help them adapt in the future.

Stairway

Adding attractive handrails to both sides of a stairway can improve safety without compromising décor, and handrails on hallway walls can be made to look like wainscoting, an example of what Thomas calls “trim tricks” that contribute to retaining a home’s aesthetic appeal. If stairs are hardwood, Hunter suggests adding tread strips to reduce the chances of slipping.

Bedroom

Structural modifications in a bedroom often relate to improved accessibility to a bathroom, says Hunter. 

“Older people can have trouble getting out of bed,” says Thomas. “We can put a rail between the mattress and box spring to help you get up. We can install poles from the ceiling to the floor that have a rod that swings out to help you get out of bed,” he continues, emphasizing that products installed to improve livability can be made to look pleasing to the eye.

Garage

“Transitioning safely from the house to the garage is important,” says Hunter, and he recommends building a wood box staircase with gradual steps and stability rails over the existing concrete. “Concrete is slippery, especially when it gets wet. For steps we use lumber rock, a composite material that is less slippery than concrete or wood.” 

Whole-House Modifications

“As people get older, their eyesight can deteriorate,” says Thomas. “They need more light to be able see better,” he adds, suggesting that people increase lighting in all areas of the home. Widening doorways to accommodate walkers, rollators or wheelchairs and replacing knobs and handles with levers make it easier for people to stay in their homes as age-related physical changes make it harder for them to maintain their independence.

Remodeling so that the master bedroom, a full bath, kitchen and the laundry room are all on the main floor may mean converting existing space or adding on a room. Hunter suggests a three-season room custom-built to match the existing home and kept level with the house.