How to Plan Aging in Place Remodeling

Widen doorways to 36 inches to accommodate wheelchairs. Allow 48 inches or more of clear floor space throughout your home to allow a wheelchair to maneuver. Select lever style handles for doors and D-shaped hardware for drawers and cabinets to make them easier to grasp.

Place the master bedroom and a full bath on the ground level. Choose hardwood flooring or a low pile carpet for ease of wheelchair or walker use. Avoid carpeting that has a thick pile. Avoid steps into the house and between rooms inside the house.

Install a walk-in tub or a no threshold shower. Select a standard size or larger shower or tub. Add extra bracing behind the drywall where handrails may need to be installed at a later date. Allow at least 60 inches of clear floor space to turn a wheelchair.

Choose a pedestal or wall-mounted sink to install in the bathroom. Set the height of the top of the sink no higher than 34 inches. Leave at least 36 inches of clear space under the sink for wheelchair access. The size of the sink and counter should be a standard size or larger. Select single lever plumbing fixtures. Install anti-scald valves on all of the faucets.

Place light switches at the entrance of each room and hallway. Locate the switches no higher than 48 inches from the floor. Use rocker or light touch light switches. Provide plenty of natural light and artificial light in all areas of the home. Raise the electrical outlets at least 15 inches from the floor. Install extra outlets throughout the house for more accessibility.

Add a kitchen island that allows access for a wheelchair to roll under. Place a sink on one end of the island. Leave space open under the sink to allow wheelchair access. Set up a cook top on the other end of the island. This will allow the other kitchen counters to stay at a higher normal height until the needs arises to work from a sitting position.

Design storage units and closets so they can be reached while sitting in a wheelchair. Choose a modular type closet system that has adjustable shelves and rods. Use pull-out drawers and shelving on all of the lower cabinets.

Install a monitoring and alarm system in the home. Set up an intercom system in each room of the house.