Renovating to Fit Special Needs
By Kristi Vaughan
An aging population and greater awareness that one size doesn't fit all - especially when it comes to a house and people with special needs - has created a new area of renovation: Renovating for accessibility and age.
If you are considering remodeling your home, why not consider some of the following ways you can make it easier for friends, relatives, or maybe even future buyers, to get around?
Accessible ideas for your home
Those whose mobility is limited and those in wheelchairs often find the following areas to be problematic, according to such groups as AARP, Easter Seals and the American Society on Aging:
- Entranceways that are a step or two up
- Narrow doorways
- Standard height counters, bathroom fixtures and doorbells
- Wall cabinets
- Switches, outlets and thermostats that are located too high or low
AARP offers a checklist that can be used for a room-by-room survey of potentially inaccessible areas.
Simple changes
While some changes will require a contractor, many are simple items you can attend to yourself. These include:
- Replacing round knobs with lever handles that can be operated with a push
- Removing scatter rugs that could slide
- Installing night lights in the bedroom and halls
- Installing grab bars in the bathroom near the toilet and in the tub or shower
- Replacing switches and thermostats with ones that can be operated by remote control
- Converting a first floor den into a bedroom
- Installing visual fire alarms
- Installing automatic garage door openers
Contractors
The increased awareness of universal design, especially as it applies to older persons who wish to remain in their homes as they age, also has brought a new specialist to home remodeling. The Certified Aging-in Place Specialist (CAPS) designation is given by the National Association of Home Builders Council. It was developed in collaboration with the AARP, NAHB Research Center and NAHB Seniors Housing Council.
CAPS professionals have been trained to meet the unique needs of an older adult population, aging-in-place home modifications, common remodeling projects and solutions to common barriers. The NAHB maintains a list of people who have been certified.
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