From the
Journal Sentinel in Wisconsin. A built-in shower seat with grab bars is pictured.
A majority of seniors want to stay in their homes as long as they can, and as a result, “aging in place” has become one of the fastest growing segments of the residential remodeling industry, according to the National Association of Home Builders.
A study released by the AARP in 2000, Fixing to Stay, indicated that nearly 90% of Americans age 55 and older want to remain in their current residence as long as possible, a boost of about 5% from a similar study in 1992. From small-scale projects — installing grab bars in a bathroom — to larger, more costly renovations — adding an elevator — there are plenty of options for seniors who want to maintain their independence while making their homes safe and comfortable.
Ron Klassen, president of Butler-based Wallner Builders, and Jillaine Burton, a senior designer for Callen Construction in Muskego, both hold certified aging-in-place specialist certifications from the NAHB.
Klassen said the benefits of seniors remaining in their houses and longtime neighborhoods are plentiful.
“Those individuals typically live longer and are happiest,” he said. “It’s a huge benefit to our society and nation for them to be able to stay in their homes.”
While renovations can be limited by budgetary concerns and structural limitations, Klassen said a key to always remember is to make sure the solution suits the problem.
One way to improve the likelihood of appropriate improvements is to first consult an occupational therapist before making any changes.
“For people whose needs are (severe), having an OP handy is almost essential,” he said. “For that person to live safely in their homes, you have to do these things that are specific and all encompassing.”
Aging in place also approaches renovation and building from the perspective of making design universal — or beneficial to the most users possible, Burton said.
In every shower she designs, Burton includes a grab bar, which she said are beneficial for anyone who is feeling sick or lightheaded of might get soap in their eyes.
“Having something to reach out to that is secure is really helpful for everyone,” she said.
A hand grip to step into a bathtub or hand-held shower head also are useful options, Burton said.
In the kitchen, knobs on cabinet doors can be exchanged for easier-to-open lever handles and pull-out shelves can be installed.
“Universal design is flexible and adaptable and can growth with you,” Burton said.
Even if certain universal features are not always used by the residents, or are added to make things easier for them down the road, older parents and grandparents who visit can be aided with their use.
“You thought it was for far out and it’s actually serving an immediate purpose,” Burton said.
She also stressed that renovations don’t have to be done in a “clinical way” but can be decorative and attractive.
Lighting is a major concern for seniors that can be helped with remodeling.
“Seniors need a lot more light than a 30-year-old does, and a 30-year-old needs more than a teenager,” Klassen said. “It’s an ongoing slope for individuals.”
But adding too much white light can cause problems with glare, so Klassen recommends using fluorescent colors and making the light fit the space and use.
Moving your laundry area to the first floor of your home can be a challenge but is certainly a possibility, Klassen said. First, you have to find a closet or room that is both large enough to place your washer and dryer and one in which you can vent your dryer and connect your washer to the plumbing.
A stackable washer and drier unit is one solution for limited space, but it can be a problem for seniors to reach, Klassen said.
“You have to be flexible and a little bit innovative,” he said.
Klassen estimated a laundry conversion would cost at minimum $5,000.
For those who are in wheelchairs or have trouble climbing stairs, there are a variety of options, including ramps, stair chairs and elevators.
Ramps can be difficult to install in the front of many urban homes because of the amount of room needed, Klassen said. The side door is an option, but often is not as wide as the front door. Additional width can be gained by removing the storm door, as long as the main doors are weather-stripped.
A stair chair can be added for about $5,000 while an elevator would cost approximately $20,000 installed, Klassen said.
If you want to go beyond grab bars in your bathroom, converting your tub into a walk-in shower is one option. Klassen pointed to a fairly new product called Safeway Step that can be installed in the side of the tub wall that allows for a shorter step up into the tub. Depending on the material your tub is made of, it can be installed for around $1,000, he said.
More products are entering the marketplace every day to help seniors remain in their homes for as long as they want, Klassen said.
“We have a lot more design solutions than we did just a few years ago,” he said.
From the Journal Sentinel in Wisconsin. A built-in shower seat with grab bars is pictured. 
