It's a fact of nature - we all are getting older every single day. We may not be thinking about that when we're house hunting, but it is an eventual fact that we all come to face. No matter if you're considering remodeling your own home for aging in place features or for an aging loved one, there are a few key features to consider.

Recommended Aging in Place Features When Remodeling Your Arlington Home

Certain design elements in your home may seem completely normal upon purchasing, but as you or loved ones begin aging they become obstacles. Here are a few of the most common aging in place remodeling suggestions we incur when remodeling for safety and accessibility:

1. Removing stairs from entryways. It may seem simple for those used to seeing this in older homes in Northern Virginia, but it can be a big obstacle for our aging loved ones. Level entryways or slightly inclined entryways are much safer.

2. Widening doorways and and main hallways. What is easily accessible for you while walking can be a challenge for those using walkers or wheelchairs.

3. Updating lighting options. Not only should all lighting fixtures be accessible and functional from a wheelchair, but often more lighting can also improve safety. Many newer homes lack recessed lighting in hallways and living spaces (because tall lamps have been fashionable).

4. Installing slip-proof flooring options. Different kinds of tile or engineered flooring can be unexpectedly slippery. When remodeling homes with aging in place features, we commonly update the flooring to options that will never lose their grip to avoid dangerous falls.

5. Improving bathroom safety. It is increasingly popular to design bathrooms with curbless showers to avoid stepping over a threshold. Less popular are the grab bars, which are equally as essential in a safe bathroom design.

6. Improving kitchen layout. Upper cabinets are often out of reach for those in wheelchairs or using walkers. We also commonly will update sinks to be handicap accessible.

7. Functional switches and knobs. It's critical to update light switches and doorknobs to be easily accessible without manual dexterity.

8. Building a first floor master suite. For those aging, the second floor is out of reach. What was an easy climb now takes planning, effort, and often isn't worth the risk of a fall. A first floor master suite can ensure that your bedroom and bathroom are easily accessible.

If you're considering remodeling your home for aging in place features, visit our Featured Home Event in Fairfax this year! Schroeder Design/Build founders Trish and Tom Schroeder will be opening their home for the event to showcase the aging in place features that they have included in its design.

Please RSVP by September 12 if you plan to join us!