Lately, I’ve become far more aware of these special needs. My parents are both in their 80s and living in a small 3 bedroom, two bath home. My mom is confined to a wheelchair or scooter 90 % of the time and my dad is using a cane, walker, and at times a wheelchair or scooter.

Typical Renovations to Improve Living

The physical challenges that come with age can be mitigated with some basic renovations. People want their independence regardless of their age. It really doesn’t take a whole lot to accommodate them and restore freedoms that they are beginning to lose. Here are just a few examples of what I mean.

* Off-set door hinges that increase doorway opening widths by up to two inches
* Exterior ramps to porches and entry doors
* Railings in hallways
* Rearranging furniture to unclutter hallways and entries
* Widening walk-in closet doors
* Floor coverings that facilitate scooters, walkers, wheelchairs, etc.
* Taller toilet seats for the commodes
* Hand held shower head sprayers
* Higher electrical outlets and lower light switches
* Mini threshold ramps at all entry doors

Most of these are fairly simple or relatively inexpensive changes that home owners can often make without professional labor. Even when professional labor is needed, they are not time consuming or expensive projects.

Advantages of a Handicap Accessible Renovation

Whether you’re looking to your own future or helping aging relatives in their homes or yours, there are good reasons to pursue this home improvement.

1) The growth of the aging population is creating more demand. With this demand comes added value if your home can accommodate them.

2) The strong desire most people hold for independence is only enhanced as they age. You often don’t realize how crucial this is until you face losing it. As we age, we’re faced with losing many freedoms and the home environment is a place where we can make some changes to gain this back.

3) The cost of elder care continues to rise dramatically. As it does, it becomes more cost effective to house people in their own homes or relatives homes.

It’s a mobility issue more than a health issue. I know that the changes we’ve made in my parents home are greatly appreciated. They are simple things that did not cost much but the benefits are huge. As far as healthcare goes, if a house is properly set up, nursing care can be handled right in the home.

As I look at my own future, I hope my children keep these things in mind!

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