Dickinson Architects, LLC | Home Remodeling Concord MA

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Aging in Place

More and more baby-boomers are interested in aging in place rather than moving. Adding or converting a room and bathroom on the first floor to a bedroom suite can help extend time in a house. Moving laundry to the first floor also helps. A bathroom can be made easier to use with a low threshold or curbless shower with seats, hand held fixtures and grab bars. Higher toilets with built in bidets and grad bars are convenient. Lever faucets that can be controlled with a closed fist are good if you have arthritis. Rugs can be set flush with floors, so they are not trip hazards. Tubs can be purchased with sides that lower so they are easier to get into. Elevators and chair lifts allow access to 2nd floors, if space is limited on the first floor. New stairs should be switch back and have low risers, and handrails on both sides, to make them safer. Outside and inside, ramps with 1:12 pitch can be added when stairs become difficult. Maintenance free exterior materials, like HardiePlank, Azek and Trex Decking will reduce the burden of upkeep. In the kitchen, stoves, microwaves and cabinets should be placed keeping in mind limited reach capacity. Finally, increasing lighting outside and inside is important, since older people need more light to see than younger people.

Switchback stairway

Home elevator

Interior Ramp

Easy to Reach Stove

First Floor Laundry

Fold Down Seat