As they age, many people choose to stay in their own homes rather than moving to assisted living facilities or other senior communities. However, kitchen remodeling and other home renovations may be necessary to make a home suitable for seniors. With the right modifications, aging adults can live happily and safely in their own homes for years to come.

What Seniors Need During Home Remodeling

1. Accessibility

Many seniors will need help with their mobility in the future, so it's always good to keep wheelchair access in mind when remodeling. To make a home more accessible, consider lowering the light switches, raising electrical outlets, and replacing twistable doorknobs with levers. Also, widen narrow hallways and doorways, and ensure each room has adequate space for a wheelchair to turn around. A successful kitchen remodeling job for seniors should also feature cabinets that open by the touch, lower countertops, easy-to-reach shelving, and touchless faucets.

2. Bathroom Safety

Safety is the primary concern for a senior-friendly bathroom, as bathrooms are one of the most common places for older people to fall and become injured. With that in mind, install a walk-in bathtub and grab bars in the shower and by the toilet. Also consider purchasing a shower chair, multiple non-slip mats, and a raised toilet seat.

3. Navigable Spaces

Steps should be replaced with ramps whenever possible, not just for wheelchair access, but also because they're easy to fall on. Frayed carpeting and area rugs are also trip hazards that should be replaced. Additionally, adequate lighting throughout the house will help prevent bumps and trips, so consider investing in motion-sensor lights.

4. Easily-Maintained Areas

Household maintenance becomes more burdensome as you age. Thus, focus on low maintenance materials to keep this task simple. For example, when doing kitchen remodeling, consider vinyl or linoleum for the flooring and quartz or laminate for the countertops, as these surfaces are easy to clean and maintain.

If you need kitchen remodeling or other senior-friendly home renovations, turn to the experts at Today's Kitchens in Hartsdale, NY. Their staff can create custom kitchens that are stylish and functional for clients throughout Westchester County, NY, and Fairfield County, CT. They also offer bathroom renovations, as well as other design and remodeling work. Call (203) 536-1222 to schedule a consultation, or visit their website for more information about their services.