By Brian Kalfehn, Home for Life Renovations, LLC
Over the next decade, thousands of Americans just like you will ask this important question, how long can I independently live in my own home? Seniors and people with disabilities often face having to leave their homes because they can no longer perform normal daily tasks. However, making your home safe, accessible and comfortable is the new best choice for most people.
Moving from your home can be a traumatic experience. While many high quality supportive-living facilities are available, they can cost from $2,000 to $6,000 per month, or $24,000 to $72,000 per year. An accessible living renovation that allows you to remain in your own home is by far the most cost effective alternative, preserving your savings and adding years of independence. In addition, you can continue to live in a familiar neighborhood with access to friendly local stores, entertainment and places of worship.
If you are considering a renovation, here are some key areas to consider:
Entering and Exiting Your Home: Safe access into and out of your home is critical. A graded sidewalk or wheelchair ramp can be a very good solution or if you require a more compact solution, a vertical platform lift or porch lift can be installed for both indoor and outdoor use.
Bathrooms: Standard bathrooms present all sorts of challenges for people with restricted mobility. Fitting through doorways, getting in and out of bathtubs, and easily using the sink and toilet can provide similar challenges. There are many products available today including raised toilets, walk-in or roll-in showers and decorative grab bars to enhance the look, function and safety of your bathroom.
Managing Stairs: Managing stairs can be the most challenging element of living at home. Stair lifts are easy to install and can fit the configuration of any staircase, straight or curved. However, a stair lift does require the ability to transfer in and out of the chair at the top and bottom of the stairs. If transferring is an issue, an incline platform lift or even a residential elevator may be other options to consider.
Kitchens: A specialized kitchen renovation can create an extraordinarily functional space for everyone in the house to enjoy. Counter and cabinet heights, adjustable shelving and other simple considerations can allow your continued enjoyment of cooking and enhance your safety.
If you are middle aged, a senior citizen, someone who is medically frail or living with a disability, Home for Life Renovations LLC can ensure that you and family members can live safely and independently in your own home for as long as you desire. Home for Life Renovation’s team of occupational therapists, designers, architects and CAPS certified contractors will manage every step of your renovation from plan to completion. To learn more about how you can remain in your own home and to arrange a free in-home consultation please call 585-444-0300 or visit our website at homeforlifeny.com.