BPT
REMODELING TO AGE IN PLACE?
MAKE CHANGES WHERE IT MATTERS MOST
A
merican household
demographics constantly
change. With kids grown
and moved out, many
adults are considering
remodeling to meet their future
needs. This has inspired the idea of
aging in place, meaning the desire
to have a high quality of life in your
home as you get older. In the United
States, it’s a desire shared by many.
According to the AARP, 87 percent of
adults age 65 and older want to stay in
their current home and community as
they age. Furthermore, among people
age 50 to 64, 71 percent of people want
to age in place. The desire to age in place
typically requires making thoughtful
updates to a home to accommodate
senior needs.
Multigenerational households are also
changing for older family members.
Sometimes it’s necessary to have elderly
relatives move in to your home for them
to thrive. Adult children will opt to make
remodeling updates so spaces are safe,
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AUGUST 2018
comfortable and accessible for all.
Whether you’re remodeling for yourself
or a family member, there are many
things to consider. Making changes
where it matters most will help transform
the household into a secure space for
aging adults.
SINGLE-STORY LIVING
Having all rooms on a single story is
the ideal layout for senior living. That
means the bedroom, bathroom and
kitchen can be accessed without having
to travel to different levels of the home.
Keep in mind, open-concept designs
can be beneficial for seniors, but if
you are updating hallways, make sure
they are at least 36 inches wide for easy
maneuverability.
BATHROOM ADDITIONS
Adding a bathroom to facilitate single-
story living might seem impossible if you
don’t have existing drainage. However,
it is feasible and doesn’t require costly
demolition. With Saniflo, you can add a
complete bathroom where no drainage
existed before, thanks to above-floor
plumbing features like a macerating toilet
and drain pumps. The Saniaccess2 is ideal
for powder rooms and the Saniaccess3
is a smart choice for full baths.
BATHROOM SAFETY
Bathrooms are one of the most
dangerous rooms in a home, particularly
for those age 65 and older who are more
prone to falls. When remodeling, add
wall supports such as grab bars in the
bath, shower and by the toilet. For
showers, a fold-down seat and handheld
showerhead can add comfort. A wall-
hung sink adds space below and can
make it easier to clean and move around.
Avoid using rugs and instead install slip-
resistant flooring.
KITCHEN ADDITIONS
Redesigning your home with a mother-
in-law suite for aging relatives can
be a nice way to provide them with
everything they need. It will also ensure
that everyone has their desired privacy
in the home. Again, don’t let drainage
limit your remodel plans. Add a modest
kitchen setup using Saniflo Sanivite
technology. It will pump wastewater