Maybe you just ran a marathon and are in the greatest shape of your life, and the last thing on your mind is aging in place. If that’s the case, I tip my hat to you. But, even if this is the case, if you’re thinking about a remodel, it might be worth it to decide now how you can design your remodel to continue to enjoy your home for decades and decades to come.
Most people prefer to stay in the comfort of their own home as they age, a place that is full of memories and where they can be surrounded by all who love them. Aging in place—the ability to live in one’s home independently and safely, regardless of age or ability level—has become a top priority for many individuals. At Corvus Construction, we specialize in creating luxurious living spaces for our customers, and that includes thinking ahead to create functional and accessible living spaces that allow our clients to truly create their forever home.
Corvus Construction has a good understanding of the specific needs and preferences of those aging in place and we offer numerous ways to modify your existing designs to make them more accessible, whether it’s for now or for in the future.
1. Custom Roll-Out Shelving and Storage Solutions
For individuals aging in place, it’s crucial that they can easily access everyday items without straining or bending. This is where custom roll-out shelving systems shine, offering accessible and efficient storage that brings stored items directly to the user and not the other way around. This not only minimizes the need to bend down or climb to reach high cabinets, but also maximizes your storage space since these products can help organize kitchens, bathrooms, and closets more efficiently.
Whether it’s a pull-out spice rack in the kitchen, an integrated appliance lift, or an under-sink pull-out organizer in the bathroom, these systems can be customized to fit any space. I know what you’re thinking, so I’ll go ahead and answer your question: yes, these systems can be added to your project without taking away from the overall design of the space. We know you want a beautifully finished home in the end, and we can help you get the same high-end finishes and materials of traditional cabinets, shelving, and storage systems just with hidden accessibility inside.
2. Roll-In Showers with Seating and Grab Bars
Bathrooms can be one of the most hazardous areas of a home, especially for aging individuals who may struggle with balance or mobility. Roll-in showers, built-in seating, and grab bars are just some of the ways we can help you modify your space so you can make sure your shower adapts with you. Gone are the days of choosing between a beautiful shower or an accessible design as there are so many options that are designed with safety, convenience, and aesthetics in mind.
Whether you go with a roll-in shower to allow for easy wheelchair and walker accessibility without the need to step over high thresholds or you simply add beautifully tiled built-ins or fold-downs that double as seating, there’s an option for you. If you want a more subtle addition, you can addstrategically placed grab bars that can provide support when standing or moving in and out of the shower. These bars can be customized to match your home’s décor, so they blend seamlessly with the design of the bathroom while offering much-needed safety.
3. Accessible Countertops
As we age, it becomes increasingly difficult to work at traditional countertop heights. Custom accessible countertops and workspaces can make cooking, cleaning, and everyday tasks easier, regardless of mobility challenges. Corvus can help you set your countertop height to accommodate different needs.
For those in a wheelchair, a lower counter may be required, while others might prefer counters that can be raised for a more comfortable working height. Whether in the kitchen or bathroom, we can create areas under counters where users can comfortably roll up to the workspace to easily access sinks, stoves, and counters without obstruction.
4. Thoughtful Design for Fixtures and Appliances
Our team specializes in thoughtful, customized renovations that prioritize both style and functionality in your finished space. Here’s just a few modifications Corvus can assist you in adding to your design:
- Installing sinks that are lower in height or larger or smaller in size, making them easier to access for those in wheelchairs, or those with mobility issues.
- Pull-out faucets that make it easier to use the sink without straining which can help make it easier to use your sinks in both the kitchen and the bathroom.
- In the kitchen we can help you identify if you need a pot filler over your stove so you don’t have to carry large pots full of water from sink to stove.
- Suggesting accessible appliances that are easier to operate and reach, such as ovens that are wall mounted or have side-opening doors, dishwasher drawers instead of ones with larger doors, and refrigerators with French doors for easy access.
5. Smart Home Features for Enhanced Independence
Integrating smart technology into the home can make life simpler and safer for aging individuals. We can help incorporate the latest advancements in home automation and safety features, offering greater peace of mind.
This includes voice-activated smart systems such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, that allow clients to control lights, thermostats, and even kitchen appliances with just their voice, making everyday tasks much easier. If you would prefer your home be even smarter than that, you can utilizeautomated solutions that automatically adjust according to time of day or when motion sensors are tripped. For those with limited mobility, these features can eliminate the hassle of manual operation.
6. Barrier-Free Flooring and Walkways
As mobility decreases, uneven surfaces and small walkways can pose risks. We can help clients design kitchens and bathrooms that allow for easier flow of traffic and movement with thoughtful design to eliminate unnecessary obstacles and make daily tasks easier. We can suggest options such as widening doorways or hallways to accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids to ensure that individuals can move freely throughout the home without obstruction.
We can also help you choose naturally non-slip flooring as well as eliminate thresholds between rooms and spaces to eliminate tripping hazards. This is especially important in areas that can get wet, like kitchens and bathrooms, and we can assist you in choosing options that will help reduce risk of falls.
7. Customized Lighting for Increased Safety
Adequate lighting is crucial for seniors to navigate their homes safely. Our lighting designs prioritize visibility and safety without sacrificing energy efficiency and style. We can help you incorporate motion sensor lights in key areas such as hallways, stairways, and bathrooms, as well as install task lighting in the kitchen or bathroom for clear visibility.
8. Modifications for Continued Mobility
We know you want access to your whole beautiful home even as you age. Our team can help you decide where extra accessibility may be required and help you design custom solutions so you can easily get around on your own. This includes identifying where ramps or handrails are needed for entryways, decks, or patios and helping you select the perfect solution for your space.
Corvus Can Make Aging in Place Easier
At Corvus we understand that the transition to aging in place is deeply personal. We aim to help you create customized solutions to help keep your loved ones safe, independent, and comfortable in their own homes by incorporating thoughtful design elements into your finished space.
If you or a loved one are considering aging in place, contact us today to learn how our high-end construction services can make that dream a reality.