The Ultimate Guide to Aging in Place
Wow, who would have thought the Woodstock generation would actually get old. Life happens. Unfortunately, our homes are actually aging faster than we are. When you bought your home those high ceilings, circular stairways step and-up entrance was inviting. But now, the home’s steep steps and narrow doorways are becoming problems. Suddenly things that you once took for granted, like turning on the lights, unlocking your door, or turning on the water in your shower are difficult.
A Cost Effective Solution for Home Remodeling
You can do more than just hope to remain in your home and community as you age— you can stay in your home and live well. But you need to call Glickman Design Remodel Build, the ideal resource in the Washington, DC Metro area for custom solutions to aging in place. Many in this area are calling now to take advantage of Glickman’s 40 years of experience. We specialize in providing products and services that allow people to stay in the current residence for years to come. Glickman’s goal is to create a safe, accessible and comfortable home that blends universal design usability and with stunningly beautiful appeal.
Stay in your Home and Live Well
Remodeling can be a very reasonable alternative to the high cost of care in an assisted-living facility or even a nursing home. The best way to live at home is to start thinking about it now. And we realize that planning ahead may be difficult because you never know how your needs might change. That’s why the first step is to come and see Glickman designers. They are the experts.
Glickman will help you think about what you might want in the near future. Maybe you live alone, so there is no one living in your home that is available to help you. Maybe you don’t need help right now, but you live with a spouse or family member who does. Everyone has a different situation.
Glickman has designed and created numerous remodeling projects for aging in place. There are many possibilities from a design perspective and our clients are sometimes surprised when they learn there is a functional and beautiful solution to every remodeling challenge.
Glickman/Design Remodel Build Project Examples:
Upgrading the bathrooms
Glickman designers will conduct a full assessment of your bathroom. During the planning process, our designers keep your concerns and desires in mind as they guide you through the many options available. Your needs drive design – what do you envision in your new bathroom? We will take a look at all the access points to the bathroom with safety being our first concern. If your house was built years ago there will be turn handle faucets, a deep bathtub, a narrow door and a step-up shower with sliding glass doors. We have seen these before and we have ideas for the changes you will need. For example, there are several universal design considerations to make for someone with limited mobility, including safety bars, walk-in showers, wall-mounted sinks, wider doorways with paddle handles, and open floor space.
More than 2/3 of emergency room visits (of baby boomers/elderly) are due to bathroom falls. And the tub and shower are the most hazardous for children and grandchildren. Remodeling, your bathroom can go a long way to preventing accidents.
The Checklist for your Kitchen Remodel
Here are some things to consider for your next kitchen remodel so that it works for you now and as you age in place.
* Counters
* Wall support and provisions for adjustable and/or varied height counters and removable base cabinets
* Upper wall cabinetry three inches lower than conventional height
* Accented stripes on edge of countertops to provide visual orientation to the workspace
* Base cabinet with roll-out trays and lazy susans
* Pull-down shelving
* Glass-front cabinet doors
* Open shelving for easy access to frequently used items
* Appliances
* Easy to read controls
* Microwave oven at counter height or in wall
* Side-by-side refrigerator/freezer
* Side-swing or wall oven
* Raised dishwasher with push-button controls
* Electric cooktop with level burners for safety in transferring between the burners, front controls and downdraft feature to pull heat away from user; light to indicate when the surface is hot
* Miscellaneous
* 30-inch by 48-inch clear space at appliances or 60-inch diameter clear space for turns
* Multi-level work areas to accommodate cooks of different heights
* Open under-counter seated work areas
* Placement of task lighting in appropriate work areas
* Loop handles for easy grip and pull
* Pull-out spray faucet; levered handles
Contact Glickman/ Design Remodel Build Today!
To quote Robert Browning:
“Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be…
There’s no reason to leave your home just because you’re getting older. Today you have a great resource like Glickman that has the skill, experience and understanding. If you are thinking about this possibility, now is the time to call Glickman. We place an emphasis on client communication and we would be more than happy to set up a meeting between you and one of our designers to explore the best and most economical way forward. Set the wheels in motion contact us, or call us at (301) 444-4663.