Milwaukee/NARI Members Suggest Tweaking Your Home to Suit Your Aging in Place Needs

The number of homeowners between the ages of 55 and 74 is set to increase by 10.2 million from now until the year 2020 and nearly 90 percent of those 65 and over prefer to stay in their home as long as possible. This trend, called aging in place, has area remodelers busy with modifications that can help homeowners remain in their homes as long as possible.

Remodeler Rick Bartelt is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) and owner of Bartelt - The Remodeling Resource in Delafield. “Homeowners don’t want to have a handicapped-accessible home when they don’t have any physical limitations. But we can make improvements so it isn’t a difficult transition if somebody were to have a serious situation develop. We encourage them to think about what will help them stay in that house down the road without making it seem institutional,” he said.

“Every home and every homeowner’s needs are different, but being aging in place specialists, we always make suggestions that could help in the future,” said Mark Brick, CR, CAPS, owner of B & E General Contractors, Glendale.

“Many things a homeowner can do are simple and inexpensive. There are subtle elements such as decorative grab bars in the bathroom, softer flooring in the kitchen, motion sensors that automatically turn lights off and on, timers on bathroom humidity/exhaust fans, and levers on doors and faucets to name a few,” Brick said.

“As specialists, we do suggest aging in place principals, but some homeowners are not ready. We urge them to look at the big picture whether they are in their 40s or their 60s,” said Jim Klappa, CGR, CAPS, owner of JDJ Builders, Inc., Greenfield.

“We address the current needs of the individual as well as what they will need in the future,” Klappa said. One of the best things when remodeling a bathroom is to have enough flexibility so if a wheelchair is needed, there is a proper turning radius. It is easy enough to do by taking space from a closet or an adjoining bathroom. If we are bumping out a wall, we can create enough space for a laundry room as well. A main floor laundry gets more important as a person starts to age,” he said.

There are many things on the market now that are more user-friendly to individuals of all abilities, such as front controls on stoves, microwaves in drawers, pull-out cabinets, and a plethora of lighting options.

“We’ll be seeing more of this as the population ages, even window treatments,” said Bartelt. He referred to the option of having shades that are not controlled by strings, but by side levers. “It’s easy for someone who has strength issues and it’s nice because you don’t have to worry about a toddler getting caught up in strings,” he said.

“Suppliers like plumbing and cabinetry manufacturers are making more products available,” said Brick, who has seen more of a presence of these things at builder and remodeler trade shows. “We are seeing more interest in this trend.”