Retirement Planning Guidebook: Navigating the Important Decisions for Retirement Success (The Retirement Researcher Guide Series)

by Wade Pfau

Professionals can provide guidance about specific home renovations to better support aging in place. Universal design features and other characteristics that can lay a stronger foundation for aging in place include: · Walk-in showers, grab bars, and other bathroom safety features · Single-floor living with no stairs (kitchen, bathing facility, and bedroom are all on one floor), or an elevator allowing access to other floors · Wheelchair accessibility: ramps to the home, wide doors and hallways that can fit a wheelchair, and at least one wheelchair-accessible entrance to the home · Levers for door handles and faucets rather than a twisting knob · Good lighting in case sight is diminished · Accessible cabinets and closets as well as lowered counters to allow for cooking while sitting · Softened non-skid flooring to help cushion any falls, but no rugs or other floor items that could create a tripping hazard · Accessible electric controls and switches that are not too high off the ground · New technologies to monitor health status and medicine use