The most common reasons that a person can no longer live alone or that they have to move into a care facility is that they can no longer access their kitchen appliances for meal preparation or they can’t maneuver in the confines of their bathroom. Their poor balance or decreased mobility may also prevent them from accessing their own bedroom if it is on another level. The good news is that there are several adaptations that can be made to the home to allow many more years of independent living. With adjustable height counters, sinks, and cook tops to advances in appliances, the kitchen can be adapted for anyone to do meal prep. Bathroom tub/shower inserts can be done quickly and don’t require total demolition of the bathroom just to allow access the space with a walker or a wheelchair. Attractive chrome, bronze or brushed nickel grab bars match other fixtures in the bath and eliminate the institutional look so many people dread. Stair elevators, which provide access to another level of the house, can be installed even on stairs that have an angle. Finally, to greatly reduce the risk of falling in the dark, add vacancy/occupancy sensors to the light controls of the bathroom, the stairs and hall.

For a consultation on how to make your home a safe sanctuary for any person any age, call Jean Cary to schedule a universal design consultation.

She can be reached at (650)-593-9622 or