Independent by Design: Changes to Create a Forever Home

According to the AARP, 87% of Americans over the age of 65 want to stay in their current home and community as they age. To do that, most homeowners need to make a few modifications to make their home more focused on safety and mobility. The trusted kitchen remodeling contractors at DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Tyler have these age-in-place design tips to share:

Widen the Doorways

Doorways need to be wide enough to fit equipment that may be needed to help with mobility. As a rule of thumb, the width of the front door and the doors inside a home should be at least 42 and 36 inches, respectively. It’s also a good idea to replace all the doorknobs with lever handles to make them easier for arthritic hands to open.

Design at Least One Accessible Bathroom

The bathroom is usually the smallest—and therefore the least accessible—room in the average American home. Aside from a door that’s at least 36 inches wide, professional bathroom remodeling contractors also recommend installing certain security features.

One essential bathroom safety feature is flooring with smaller tiles. A 2018 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 80% of bathroom accidents were due to bathroom slips, with adults over the age of 65 at a much higher risk of suffering bathroom injuries. Small-format tile flooring can help combat slips and falls because the smaller the tile is, the less slippery the floor.

Convert Bedroom Closets to Open Closets

When it comes to closets, it’s best to get rid of doors altogether. You can also ask your contractor about possible features that can make it easier for you to access your wardrobe.

Let’s Start a Conversation!

DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Tyler, a HomeAdvisor-approved contractor, offers a wide range of professional services including bathroom and kitchen remodel services. To start designing your forever home, call us at (903) 255-7111 or contact us online.

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