The primary concern of every potential retiree is where they would spend the remaining years of their life. While nursing homes used to be the most common option for retirees in Raleigh, NC, aging in place is another possible alternative these days.
No, getting older does not mean that you will have to leave your house where you have spent many years of your life. Yes! You can safely choose to stay in your beloved abode with your loved ones and age happily.
Benefits of Aging in Place
Let us look at some of the advantages of aging in place.
- Comfortability
If you have been away from your home for a few days, you have indeed experienced the happiness and comfort of returning to your home. Even if you reside in the most expensive hotel, you will only get that sense of belongingness and peace of mind when you are in your home.
After all, home is where the heart is!
This is why aging in place is the best option. In your Raleigh home, you know where things are; you are accustomed to sleeping on your bed and spending the evening in your favorite reclining chair.
Thus, there is no better place to age than your own home.
- Independence
Freedom is what every human strives to have. There have been tremendous wars solely because people wanted to be free. Guess what? You are getting independence and freedom by simply being in your home!
When you age in place, you are free to make your own decisions and schedule your day without any interruptions. You are not bound by any forcefully imposed timetable that you have to follow every day.
You are free to alter the thermostat settings, eat in your bed, binge watch your favorite series, or spend hours reading your favorite book. We all love that, don’t we? So, why not grab this opportunity when you have it?
- Socializing
If you choose to age in place, you can have your friends come over to your home whenever you want. You do not have to be limited by the visiting hours set by an institution. You can meet the people you love whenever you want.
Socializing becomes easier when you are at home post-retirement. It helps you stay connected to the people who make you happy.
You even have the option of joining communities and volunteering with other like-minded people. This way, you get to expand your social circle further.
These opportunities will help you stay engaged rather than sitting at home and mourning about aging and being alone. As you will be happier, you will also steer clear of the mental ailments accompanying old age.
Preparing for Aging in Place
Now, we are going to address the concerns that many people have regarding aging in place. Let’s start by stating some facts.
If you want to be the beneficiary of the liberating concept of aging in place, you will need to put in some effort. The truth is that when you age, trivial things such as reaching for the saucepan kept in the upper cabinet will become difficult for you. You will most likely face some health and mobility issues. Climbing stairs or cleaning your house will become tough.
But that does not mean that you cannot enjoy your old age by being at your own place. All you need is a few adjustments and retrofits, and you will be good to go.
You would need to future-proof your home and take on a few home renovations in Raleigh, NC. But don’t worry because a professional general contractor in Wake County, NC, will do all that’s needed!
How to Make Your House Handicap Accessible?
The most common renovation that seniors go for is installing ramps throughout the house. We all know how difficult it can be for older adults to climb the stairs. Thus, ramps are an ideal alternative as they are also perfect for older adults in wheelchairs.
Secondly, bathrooms are the places where seniors are the most vulnerable. Slips and trips are common, especially when the floors and wet and grab bars are missing. Retrofitting showers or bathtubs that are designed for older people, along with installing handrails, is the best solution.
One of the most important home renovations in Raleigh, NC, would be to widen the doorways by knocking down walls. This will make maneuverability possible, especially for those seniors who require a wheelchair to move around.
Lastly, lowering the heights of all kitchen counters and appliances, adding pull-out cabinets, and installing touch faucets are also some great ways to enhance accessibility.
Average Costs of Making your House Handicap Accessible
A bathroom remodeling project to make the bathroom safer for seniors would cost anywhere between $1,500 and $9,000. (Source: Angi) This cost includes installing disability features, such as walk-in showers and grab bars around the shower or tub area.
On the other hand, remodeling an entire kitchen could cost you anywhere between $8,000 and $50,000. (Source: Fixr) This includes the installation of easier-to-reach cabinets, shelves, and touch faucets for arthritis patients.
Have a tight budget? Don’t worry. There are other workarounds.
Simple adjustments can also help you make your home much safer. For starters, you can get grab bars installed. This would cost somewhere between $100-300. You can also go for a threshold ramp which can be installed for as little as $100. Remember, this cost is for the most basic version of the ramp. Depending on the size and material, ramps can range from $1,000 to $1,500.
Installation of kitchen counters should cost approximately $500-1,500.
Lastly, if you want to widen the doorways, you will need to have at least $500 to $1,000 in your pocket. Remember, the final price will depend on the amount of work required and the standard prices in your region.
Related Blog: Secure Funding For Your Remodel Or New Construction
Ready to transform your Raleigh home into a safer senior-friendly place? We are the general contractors in Wake County, NC, that you should be hiring. Glasgow Design Build is here to support you through your project. We are a general contracting firm in Raleigh, NC, with a team of highly skilled workers.
We can handle everything from building a porch or deck to installing a ramp. If you want to have a hassle-free remodel experience, give us a call at (919) 244-2979 or contact us online to book an appointment.