Why Should You Consult Aging in Place Specialist Contractors for Remodeling?

Aging is a natural phenomenon and it is irreversible. The aging process will affect everyone differently in their living conditions and their quality of life. What is certain is that you need to make some well thought through decisions regarding your quality of life experiences in your later years. If you choose to remain in your current home as long as you can, you should consider the assistance of a certified aging in place specialist.

Why should I choose a certified aging in place specialist?

What is an Aging in Place Specialist

Aging in place is the concept of maturing seniors living in their current home for as long as they can. This commonly requires specific home modifications to be required to remain in your home safely and comfortably late in to your life. To accommodate your desired wishes to stay at home, it is a wise practice to seek a home assessment from a certified aging in place specialist.

A certified aging in place contractors is a remodeling contractor that has been certified by the National Association of Home Builders. The certification process requires the experienced remodeling contractor to acquire a detailed training and testing program that is designed to address the needs of the aging population. The certification process also requires continued education.

The fundamental principles of aging in place is an architectural practice called universal design principles. These design principles are standards and specifications that were created to allow comfortable access and mobility for the use of a home’s accommodations and facilities by its owner regardless of physical disabilities or limitations. These practices were instituted as architectural standards to create barrier free accommodations and to reduce the likelihood of accidents caused by poor design measures.

A certified aging in place specialist can offer suggestions on various home remodeling solutions to make your living environment safer and more accommodating. Certified aging in place specialist is equipped to facilitate a home assessment and remodeling recommendations. They are highly skilled in providing remodeling solutions to complicated mobility and access issues of the home.

How can a certified aging in place specialist bring value to my living conditions?

Removing Barriers to Entry

The aging process can lead to physical disabilities. Whereas, aging seniors may require walkers and wheelchairs as they age in place. Walkers and wheelchairs require a minimum clearance of 32 inches to pass through. Many bathroom doors and small restrictive rooms cannot accommodate the use of these devices. These doorways and rooms require remodeling modifications to allow the use of special devices.

In addition, shower curbs will also restrict wheelchairs and walkers. They require modifications for personal access while using personal assistance equipment.

Bathroom Safety

Aging seniors face challenges when using the bathroom. The face slippery surfaces and are required to maneuver risky steps entering and exiting wet areas. An aging in place specialist remodeling contractor can analyze your existing situation carefully and provide recommended solutions for your specific circumstances. One of the simplest bath modifications you can make is adding a shower seat to make it easier for a senior to use the shower.

For aging seniors that have restrictive mobility restraints, the installation of a walk-in tub can reduce the risk of a fall. These tubs easily fit into standard bathtub space and offers options for air or water hydrotherapy.

Lighting Systems

As people age the chances increase dramatically that you may trip or fall. This kind of accident often takes place when their visibility is poor or impaired by lighting. Increasing the illumination in locations like the living room, dining space, kitchen, bath and other areas reduces the likelihood of unwanted accidents. Illuminated switches should be used to make it easier to locate wall switches at night. Automated lighting systems also provide a wonderful solution for risk avoidance.

Stair Lifts

Stairs present seniors with a high level of risk due to the inherent nature of maneuvering steps and the ultimate consequences if you lose your balance. Sometimes hand rails are just not enough to assure your safety working the stairs. If an elevator is outside your economic reach, we would recommend you consider a chair lift for the stairs.These are affordable and provide a high level of confidence of getting up and down the stairs.

These are just a few of the solutions and reasons that you should work with a certified aging in place specialist. Their professional training for the challenges that aging seniors face during their later years can be a considerable resource.