Our homes may need modifications to ensure they remain safe, accessible, and comfortable as time goes on. At Green Gorge Construction, we specialize in helping clients make the necessary upgrades to their homes so they can “age in place”—staying in the comfort of their home for as long as possible. This construction guide will help you understand some of the most important changes you can make to your home, along with personal tips from my experience in construction.
Flooring: A Foundation for Safety and Comfort
Soft, Resilient Flooring Materials
Choosing the right flooring can significantly reduce fall risks. For older adults, soft and resilient materials like cork, rubber, or linoleum provide a safe, forgiving surface underfoot. These options also offer better cushioning, reducing strain on joints—a common concern for older adults, especially those with arthritis.
Pro Tip: If you’re hesitant about changing all the flooring, start with key areas like the kitchen, bathroom, and hallways. In my experience, clients notice the difference immediately in comfort and mobility.
Carpet: Low Profile and Secure Installation
If you prefer carpeting, opt for a tight-looped version with a low profile (no higher than 1/2 inch) and secure it firmly with a direct glue-down method. Loose or thick carpets with thick pads can create tripping hazards.
Pro Tip: Whenever I install carpet for clients, I make sure the padding is no more than 10-pound density. This adds just enough cushioning without creating an unsteady surface.
Addressing Level Changes
Changes in flooring level, such as transitions from one room to another, are potential tripping hazards. I always recommend signaling these transitions by changing the texture, color, or adding lighting. Avoid using excessive patterns or contrasts, as they can confuse the eye and lead to missteps.
Handrails and Grab Bars: Essential Safety Features
Handrails for Stability
Handrails should be installed on both sides of stairs and ramps, and in hallways if needed, to support balance. Dual handrails at different heights (34”–38” for high and up to 27” for lower) offer stability for people of different heights. I’ve seen how much these simple additions can improve a person’s confidence moving through their home.
Pro Tip: I always choose slip-resistant surfaces for handrails and extend them beyond the stairs for extra security.
Grab Bars for Bathrooms
Grab bars should be a priority in bathrooms—around the toilet, in the shower, and near the bathtub. However, they must be anchored properly to wall studs. I once helped a client who had installed suction-cup grab bars. They didn’t hold up under weight, and she had a near-fall. We replaced them with secure, professionally installed grab bars, and she now feels much safer.
Lighting: A Key to Preventing Falls
Consistent and Sufficient Lighting
Good lighting is crucial for preventing falls, especially as our eyesight diminishes with age. I always recommend installing sufficient lighting in all pathways and entrances. This includes well-lit stairways, outdoor walkways, and hallways.
Pro Tip: LED lighting is energy-efficient and lasts much longer than conventional bulbs. I’ve noticed that many clients love LED bulbs with a warm color temperature (2,700–3,000 Kelvin), as they are easy on the eyes and reduce glare.
Indirect Lighting to Reduce Glare
By aiming lights at the ceiling or walls, you can create a softer, more consistent illumination without harsh glare. Multiple fixtures in bathrooms, kitchens, and living spaces will minimize shadows and make the home feel welcoming and bright.
Pro Tip: In bathrooms, under-cabinet lighting can be a game changer for reducing dark spots that can be tripping hazards.
Doorways and Mobility: Making Your Home Accessible
Easy-Open Doors
For older adults with arthritis or other mobility issues, round door knobs can be difficult to operate. I always recommend lever-style hardware for doors, which are much easier to open. Automatic door openers for main entrances can also be a good investment.
Pro Tip: In homes where space allows, I like to install wider doorways—at least 32 inches for most rooms, and 36 inches for main entrances. This ensures enough room for mobility devices like wheelchairs and walkers.
Thresholds and Door Hardware
A no-step or low-profile threshold at doorways reduces tripping risks and makes it easier for people using mobility devices to enter or exit rooms. For added ease, consider installing lever-type hardware on all doors, which is much easier to manipulate than round knobs.
Pro Tip: In homes where I’ve installed no-step thresholds, clients love how smooth the transition feels underfoot, especially when navigating with walkers or wheelchairs.
Home Automation: A New Way to Enhance Independence
Universal Remote Controls for Convenience
As mobility becomes more of a challenge, automation systems can simplify daily tasks. From controlling lighting, heating, and cooling, to securing doors and answering the phone, a universal remote is a smart investment.
One client, who initially wasn’t tech-savvy, was thrilled once she realized how easy it was to control everything from her chair. She could lock the front door, turn off the lights, and adjust the thermostat all with the touch of a button.
Pro Tip: Keep the remote simple, with large buttons and clear labels. This ensures that technology remains helpful, not overwhelming.
Technology and Communication: Staying Safe and Connected
Intercom Systems for Security
An easy-to-use intercom system, especially one with video capabilities, can help older adults feel safer and more connected to the outside world. These systems are particularly useful for clients who live alone and may feel vulnerable.
Medical Alert Devices
For added peace of mind, medical alert devices are a must. They can quickly connect a resident to emergency services in the event of a fall or other medical issue. Some clients have even had us install redundant power systems, such as backup generators, to ensure these devices stay powered during outages.
Trust Green Gorge Construction for Your Aging in Place Modifications
At Green Gorge Construction, we know how important it is for you to stay in your home as you age. By addressing flooring, lighting, doorways, and incorporating technology, we help you create a home environment that is safe, comfortable, and functional. Whether you’re just starting to think about aging in place or you’re ready to make changes now, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Call us today to discuss how we can help you create a home where you can age in place with confidence.
The Benefits of Aging in Place with Green Gorge Construction’s Help
Choosing to age in place means more than just staying in a familiar environment—it’s about enhancing your quality of life, independence, and safety. At Green Gorge Construction, we specialize in accessibility upgrades that allow you to enjoy your home longer and with greater peace of mind. From installing slip-resistant flooring and grab bars to making your home smarter with the latest technology, these modifications provide real, long-term benefits:
- Increased Safety: Simple changes like handrails, non-slip surfaces, and improved lighting can dramatically reduce the risk of falls, which is critical as we age.
- Enhanced Mobility: Wider doorways, ramps, and threshold modifications ensure that your home remains accessible, even if mobility becomes a challenge.
- Boosted Comfort: Whether it’s through ergonomic design features like lever-style door handles or remote-controlled lighting and temperature settings, we help you stay comfortable and in control of your space.
- Financial Savings: Early investments in home modifications, such as energy-efficient lighting and smart home features, can save you money on future energy costs and avoid costly medical bills from preventable accidents.
- Peace of Mind: With expert planning and professional installation, you can rest assured that your home is a safe, accessible space for years to come.
Let Green Gorge Construction help you age in place comfortably, confidently, and safely. Contact us today to discuss how we can tailor your home to fit your evolving needs!
Aging in Place – A Toolkit for Local Governments by AARP: Aging-in-Place Toolkit
Check out our more GGC Articles:
- Resource guide for more info on assistance: Empower Self-Reliance: Vital Resources for Aging in Place
- Stunning & Functional New Bathroom Addition for Your Home: GGC Accessible Bathroom
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