Home Modifications Create an Atmosphere Conducive For Elderly to Remain in Their Family Home as Long as Possible
As the 76 million baby boomers begin to reach the age of sixty-five years old in 2011, American demographics will begin to see a shift as these boomers retire and begin using Medicare. Living independently as long as possible is a goal among many aging Americans. Most seniors find their homes comfortable and feel secure and independent there. At times however, senior assistance requires home modifications to allow for electric mobility scooters. It may be necessary to modify someone’s home to create an atmosphere more conducive to remaining in the home as long as possible. As AZ custom home builders, we have had experience making these home modifications including creating a custom bathroom completely accessible for electric wheelchairs.
Homes can be modified for almost any disability. Home modifications are any alterations to a home that make it more livable. Most popular in our experience, is the custom bathroom, enlarging doorways to allow for ingress and egress of electric mobility scooters, and/or electric wheelchairs, lowering vanity sinks, constructing walk-in showers or a custom stall, installing handrails, and replacing round door knobs with lever handles. Other home modifications can be done throughout the home such as modifying kitchens with lower sinks, counter tops with open knee space for users in electric wheelchairs and other modifications allowing for easier meal preparation. Other modifications include the installation of ramps, and automatic door openers.
Depending upon the modifications required the costs of these home remodels could range from several hundred dollars to lower a sink or replace round doorknobs with lever handles to several thousand dollars for a custom bathroom completely accessible to electric wheelchairs. To many aging Americans living in their family home as independently for as long as possible is a significant goal. When asked where you would like to live as you grow older, most Americans respond with, “in my own home.” Homes hold memories, possessions, and they give residents a sense of place, comfort, and security.
When searching for a contractor that can make these types of home modifications, look for a licensed and bonded contractor in your local area. Ask the contracting company what experience they have had making these home modifications? Are they are limited to handyman work, or capable of more complex jobs such as enlarging spaces and creating a custom bathroom that allows for electric wheelchairs and safe movement within the bath and shower area?
If interested in other areas related to caring for aging parents or in-laws, visit Yesterdaysyoung.com. A new website designed for solving problems for aging parents, yesterdaysyoung.com is just getting started and focuses on providing information, resources and support to anyone involved in seniors care.
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