Aging in place - updating one's home to accommodate changing needs and abilities as one ages - doesn't have to mean sacrificing a home's style and decor. From attractive lighting designed to work well for aging eyes to barrier-free shower stalls that compete in beauty and practicality with what you might find in a luxury community for those 55 and older, plenty of home modifications now make it possible to age in place gracefully and stylishly."It's no longer necessary to give up your home's good looks for a more institutional-looking appearance just to achieve a safer, more usable house," says Eric Kozak of Premier Care In Bathing, leading makers of walk-in baths. "You can age in place and retain the style that makes living in your home comfortable and safe, and maintain your independence at the same time."
If you're planning ahead or thinking it's now time to update your home to accommodate changing needs, keep a few things in mind:
 Walk In Showers - stepping in and out of a tub or shower is one of the riskiest times for people with mobility challenges. Appropriately placed grab bars – now available in designer colors and textures – can help improve safety in these high-risk areas.
|
 Flooring - that tile floor that you adored in your 40s can be a slip hazard when you reach your 70s. In fact, any hard bathroom floor surface such as linoleum, vinyl or tile can put you at increased risk of slipping and falling. Carpeting might be a better option, one that is slip resistant and warmer and softer on the feet.
|
 Lighting - aging eyes not only need more light to see, they need better quality light, especially at night. Avoid dim lighting; older eyes need several times more light than younger eyes to see well, experts say. Increase the amount of light in your bathroom and consider using naturally brighter bulbs like compact fluorescent bulbs, which are also energy-efficient.
|
 Stairways, Lifts, and Elevators - TBD
|
|
Links http://www.ageinplace.org/ http://www.aarp.org/families/home_design/ http://www.nahb.org/generic.aspx?genericContentID=89801 http://www.aginginplaceinitiative.org/ http://www.ageinplacetech.com/blog/ |
|