It's Never To Early To Plan Your Home For Your Sunset Years

Here is an outline of some simple changes to make life easier.

• Install 3'-0" wide doors with lever door knobs throughout the house.
• Have the Builder put wood bracing behind the drywall and tile in the bathroom walls for future grab bar locations.
• On the first floor, have a roll in shower without a step or lip (slope floor to drain in at least one bathroom).
• The shower should be a minimum of 5'-0" wide by 4'-0" deep.
• The shower could be located near a Guest Suite or used as the Pool Bath.
• Install lever faucets in this bathroom and an adjustable hand held shower head.
• Provide a toilet in the same bathroom with a 3'-0" clear empty space next to it for transferring.
• Place a decorative furniture piece in this area until the space is needed.
• Minimize changes in floor level throughout the home and outdoor spaces.
• Anywhere that there is a stepdown, select two different colors of flooring material.
• Minimize any stepdown to the garage.
• Make sure that there is adequate space in the garage to maneuver a wheelchair with an assistant around the parked vehicle.
• Add extra lighting in the Garage for maximum visibility.
• If you need to walk through a Laundry Room to access the garage, make sure that it is large enough for both a wheelchair to turn around in and clothes hampers on the floor.
• Locate extra security system and lighting controls in the rooms where you plan to spend most of your time.
• Install adequate lighting throughout the home for safety and visibility.
• Locate electrical service boxes, security boxes, main water disconnect valve and any system controls that you might need to access in an emergency where they can be comfortably reached from a sitting position.
• Consider a 3'-0" out-swinging or 6'-0" sliding glass exterior door in the Accessible Guest Suite for easy emergency medical support access.
• Do not block doorways.
• Design the Guest Suite large enough for a queen size bed, large chair and dresser with a minimum of 4'-0" clear on all sides and 5'-0" clear on the closet side, exit door side and access to the bathroom door.
• Consider 3'-0" pocketing doors or 6'-0" bi-pass doors on closets.
• Make all Hallways a minimum of 5'-0" wide and use the extra space for bookshelves, a computer desk, or display furniture until the extra width is needed by your loved one.