Category: Glen Miller The Home Doctor - page 12

Wheelchair ramps have become a staple in American businesses, thankfully.  In 1990 the American with Disabilities Act set forth guidelines that make it law that places that operate for the public must allow equal access to all people making wheelchair ramps a staple in our culture.  The act allows for a zero tolerance attitude when it comes to discrimination against the disabled and their access into public buildings.

When thinking about installing wheelchair accessible access to your home or business consider hiring a contractor.  Professional handicap ramp installers are trained in the guidelines set forth by the ADA. They have a trained eye when it comes to obstacles that hinder the use of public spaces for people with disabilities or special needs.  Professionals also know the regulations when it comes to building a ramp, the best materials to use and measures to make the ramp accessible and safe for use with wheelchairs, walkers and other devices that make mobility easier for those with special circumstances.

The ADA does list specifications on their website for do it yourselfers.  If you have decided to tackle building a ramp you will need to review specifications and research materials.  Wood ramps are beautiful and blend well into existing landscapes.   The one drawback is that wood requires yearly maintenance.  This might be offset by the difference in price that exists between metal ramps and wooden ramps.

Ramps Specifications:

1)      The minimum width for a wheelchair ramp is thirty six inches.  This is the amount of space that is needed to comfortably maneuver a wheelchair on a ramp.  Widths can be larger to accommodate two-way traffic.  Most often you will see ramps built wider for this purpose.  Of course if this is a ramp you are installing at your home you most likely don’t have to worry about that issue.

2)      Wheelchair accessible ramps must contain railings/edges to keep users safe from spilling over the side. It is recommended to build the ramp with side rails that include handrails.

3)      All ramps must have a landing where the door meets the ramps.  This landing has to be a minimum of sixty inches long.  This allows for the door to easily swing in or out and leaves the wheelchair user room to maneuver around.

4)      It is necessary that nonslip and slip resistant materials be used for the floor of the ramp.  This makes it a lot safer especially when the weather is less than dry.

These are guidelines that are set forth by the ADA you should look into your local regulations and areas specifications to determine any other needs you might run in to when building your wheelchair accessible ramps.

When deciding what type of material is should be used consider the weight of the wheelchair and occupant and it is also important to remember that electric wheelchairs are heavier and need to be accommodated for.  It is also important that materials such as screws are used instead of nails.  Wood should be pretreated to prevent rot.  Anchor bolts should be used to secure the support posts to the houses structure to add support.  Also make sure that the slope and angle are correct.  Slopes that are too steep make it difficult for wheelchairs to go up and too fast to control on descend.  Also, include a beveled section at the end of the ramp to allow for a gradual exit and entrance.

Ramps are very common in today’s landscape.  The designs and selections available to make them a natural piece of your home or business are endless.  Make sure you take it to account the end user for your ramp project and follow regulations and guidelines set forth by the ADA and local authorities.  If you do you will be pleased with the end result.

Making sure your home space is wheelchair accessible is one of the most important steps you can take when preparing for life with a loved one that is wheelchair bound.  Each person’s needs are a little different and modifications will need to be made to adjust for them.  What is important is that as need arise in your loved ones life that you make adjustments to fit the need.

It is important in making a home user friendly and wheelchair accessible that you have a starting point.  When looking at your home you will look at various parts with more concern than others.  The yard is something that can continue to be a work in progress.  It is okay if not everything is immediately set for them as long as it is continually worked towards. However as this progress is taking place make sure smooth paths and raised flower beds are a part of the plan.  This way your loved one can still enjoy time strolling around the gardens independent of major obstacles such as grave, dirt, or extra grass that needs to be edged away.

It is important that the areas in to the home are accessible.  This includes building wheelchair accessible ramps and creating ample space for turns. Today’s wheelchairs maneuver better than those of yesterday but still require a fair amount of space for access.  Threshold ramps should be obtained and doorway openings should be at least thirty six inches wide with a clearance of four feet on either side of the door. Wheelchair accessible ramps can be made out of metal or wood.  Whatever material you choose make sure that traction is applied to prevent accidents that can result from slipping.

Next it is important to make the interior home environment as safe as possible.  It is best to hire a professional that is trained and certified in aging in place remodels.  They can better assess the homes features and plan for the homes faults and areas lacking in accessibility for a wheelchair.

The first place you will be told to modify is any and all threshold that exist within your home.  If a threshold exist between the rooms in your home it should be round and be no more than a half inch different than the flooring. When a threshold is too high a wheelchair user will have to exert extra effort just to maneuver within the home.

Hallways are an area of particular concern in most homes that need to accommodate wheelchairs. It is important that hallways be clear of obstacles and that they are wide enough to allow for ample room to maneuver a wheelchair in and out of the rooms off of the hall.

Closets should also be made to accommodate the wheelchair.  Make sure access is available for the wheelchair to move in and out of the area freely and use a closet organizing system that maintains a close enough range for reaching hanging clothes without trouble.

Flooring options should also be evaluated.  Plush flooring is not recommended for homes that are accessed in wheelchairs.  The best surfaces are this that are smooth, easily cleaned and that can withstand a lot of traffic.  Laminate or wood flooring are always a good choice in homes where occupants use wheelchairs.

Bathrooms create a tricky situation for those who can only access it confined to a wheelchair.  In order to allow for independence and modesty  install a stroll in shower that has grab bars and a bench to transfer on to for showering making sure to leave space for wheelchair storage where the chair will not get wet.  It is also important that a shower head is installed that is removable for assistance in those hard to reach spots. Sinks and cupboards should also be made to accommodate the wheelchair. Toilets should have grab bars positioned strategically around and a higher toilet for easier access.

The same goes for making the kitchen are easier to maneuver in.  Leave extra spaces beware of the ease of faucets you choose and keep storage low.  Stove tops, oven and sinks can be adjusted to fit the height of the wheelchair.  This alleviates any possibilities falls that can happen because of reaching and leaning too far out of the wheelchair.

Making your home safe for a loved one is only half the battle when it comes to sharing a home with a loved one who uses a wheelchair.  You want things to be convenient and for them to feel that this home is as much theirs as it is yours.

I have never had to be in a wheelchair.  Once I did break my lower leg and ankle causing me to be confined to a bulky cast and have to use crutches when I did leave the house.  Getting in and out of the car was miserable and stores forget it.  I really did not want to attempt getting around anywhere it was so difficult and not because of the pain but the accessibility was not available to someone that does not move around like the a person that has use of both of their feet.

That is when I really started to take notice of all the things in life that were harder because the use of both of my legs was so limited.  The doorways were always hard to get the crutches over, the car provided enough leg room but access into the car was tricky and there were multiple businesses that we went to that did not have access besides stairs.  Stairs, crutches and me did not see eye to eye.  I started to really think about how people using handicap devices such as wheelchairs, shooters and walkers got into places.

I know that the ADA specifies that all public places have devices in place so that access is open to the entire public.  However, from experience I found that not all business applied this law.  Handicap ramps were used at a few establishments and lower curbs were available some of the time but not always.  I specifically remember a shop where my family wanted to show me something and the only way to access the store was three steep stairs.  No way would I attempt that and I did not like the idea of being carried in so I just didn’t but for someone who is bound to a wheel chair for life being left should not be a way of life.

I understand that many smaller businesses might have a cost issue in regards to building handicap ramps.  However, I believe with the price of metal ramps these days I don’t see that being a huge concern especially when it is the law.  It is imperative that we start to look at each person and their individual rights when it comes to public access.  I have noticed that area parks are starting to become more wheelchair friendly.  They have larger openings for the bathroom doors and have threshold ramps where the height of the door might be an issue.  It is hard to get a wheelchair over the threshold of a door that is a few inches off the ground.

I think that it is about time that car manufactures look into options for sedans that are made to be accessible to those with special issues regarding the mobility.  It is hard to move a leg that does not want to move especially when the car does not accommodate for this need.  I worked with a beautiful lady whom was affected by MS.  She was able to drive using hand controls and got around using a walker.  It was always a struggle to get her feet inside the car and required much lifting and bending.  It would have been much better if the car manufacturer offered a sedan that had seats that would shoot completely back, allowing for maximum maneuvering and then scooted forward for driving.

My co-worker had function of everything but her legs.  Life for her in the office was even tough.  We found that the cement that was poured creating a mini ramp for her and the walker was narrow and hard to use.  It often was easier for her to sit on the walker and have us wheel her in because of the limited space to turn.  The other issue we found is that the entry door was not flush and the hump to get her over was always a bit of a challenge.  It was easier for her to shuffle her feet then to step so these obstacles made it even more challenging for her to move.

The installation of handicap ramps makes life more accessible to people using walkers, wheelchairs and scooters to get around.  It is also important that we look at the things in our lives and start to view then from the perspective of someone that does not have use of both of their legs.  Stores should make sure their clothing racks are accessible to those who require more open spacing.  Aisles need to be constructed so that they are accessible to wheelchairs and walkers without trouble.  Think about these struggles the next time you are out and about.  I bet you will see things a bit differently.

Many of us take for granted the ease of which we access or homes and the businesses that we visit.  It is as easy as opening the car door and swinging your legs out and then walking into the building.  We don’t worry about the flight of stairs we have to climb or the lip on the sidewalk.  We just maneuver our feet around them.  Now think about if you were bound to a wheelchair or had to use a walker.  Those simple tasks we take for granted then become very difficult.

The ADA has set forth guidelines to help mobility issues that people with disabilities face.  Included in these guidelines is the requirement that public entities must make certain that all people with special needs are able to access buildings to participate in any and all services offered.  Included in this is the need for wheelchair ramps at businesses that have only been able to be accessed by stairs.

Before a wheelchair ramp is installed there are several steps to consider in planning for the addition whether you are installing a wheelchair ramp for use at a residence or place of business. It is important that you look into the laws regulated by the American with Disabilities Act for specifications on materials and planning requirements.  It is also advisable to look into the laws set forth by the local and state governments regulating wheelchair ramp installation.

After you have given the necessary for thought involved with planning take pictures of the location you are installing the ramp in. It is also helpful to scope out the neighborhood or other businesses for ideas and inspiration.  Take measurements of your area and then measure again for accuracy. The worst part of any project is incorrect measurements.

Create a picture map to the scale you are building the ramp.  A site plan should be drawn up and the detail, including materials, should be labeled and entered.  This will help with the actual construction phase.  If you have people helping you it should be easy for them to see your vision through the drawn plan.  Go over the different laws regarding the slope of the ramp and hand rail specifications.  Also, ensure that the landing to the ramp is completely level.

It is also important to create a budget to follow, draw permits and call the local utilities company before construction begins.  A budget allows for you to stay fiscally responsible when actual construction begins.  You will be able to determine if you can afford the materials you are interested in for the ramp or if you need to research other building materials.  It is also important in determining if this is a job better left for a professional installer, if the budget allows for it.  Permits are required for all structures to do with your home.  Take your plans up to the local governmental offices and pay the permit fee.  You will be happy you listened to this step as the fees for not having a permit are outrageous.  Miss dig is important because the last thing you need to do is hit a gas or electrical line as you are getting started in the construction of your wheelchair ramp.

Wheelchair ramps help ease the transition in and out of buildings residential or businesses.  It is important that those of us who have an ease of mobility don’t lose sight of those who don’t.  It is up to us to ensure that quality of life is had by all.  It is so important that wheelchair ramp access is given to all those who are in need due to limited mobility issues.

It is so interesting that as our parent’s age we become the ones that start to parent them.  Not only do I worry about them inside their home in regards to personal safety and safety due to mobility but I worry about them with outsiders.  I have read many studies that show senior citizens are the least targeted group for crimes I still however worry that one day someone will realize a vulnerable senior loves in the neighborhood.  I worry about a physical assault as well as any other.  I know it is more likely they will be taken advantage of financially then physically.  All this tends to worry me.  I can take care of the aging in place needs like a wheelchair accessible ramp but how can I make sure they are safe from predators?

The first tip I have involving the safety of senior citizens involves the wheelchair accessible ramps.  When a home has a ramp that is visible from the street it basically tells all the people that drive by that someone elderly or disabled lives in this home.  This is not the message that you want to send to the crooked people that exist in our world. Instead of having wheelchair accessible ramps installed at the front of the house add one to the back or side yard.  In the side yard it is easy enough to put up decorative fencing or tall hedges to camouflage the ramp which in turn does not allow predators to know that a person that has limited mobility lives in the home.

It is also important to use locks that include a steel stopper.  Believe it or not deadbolt locks can still be broken through.  If you add a metal stopper it is nearly impossible for the door to be kicked in.  Alarm systems also help keep our loved ones safe.  When looking into alarm systems for parents who are aging in place that notify police, fire and ambulatory services.  Security lights should be installed at different angles of the home.  This is also valuable for seniors to be able to see out into the yard in the evening hours.  I would also recommend that all sliding doors have locks and extra security rods put into place.

Make sure that a trusted neighbor has an extra key to the house.  Thieves know all the hiding spots for spare keys.  Don’t chance it.  It is one hundred percent safer to leave a key with a neighbor in case of an emergency.  I also really like the option of purchasing a realtor lock.  This way if there is an emergency and entrance is needed a code could be given to EMS and they could obtain entry to your loved one.

Like my parents did to me when I was little I did to them now that they are aging.  I sat them down and discussed the birds and bees of financial safety.  I remind them that social security number and credit cards were something that should never be released to anyone over the phone or that comes to your door.  In fact I have asked them not to open the door when they are not expecting visitors.  Internet safety was something I addressed as well.

When my parents leave the house I always remind them to carry only one credit card and enough cash for their purchases.  My dad has begun carrying his wallet in his front pocket and my mother is very careful to hold her purse close to her side.  As they have aged there are limits on when they should be out verses home.  My parents are home before dark so that it is easier for them to drive, park and enter the house again without problems.  Using the handicap accessible ramp becomes difficult for my mom at night.  When she is tired and has been going all day the level of strength she possesses has decreased and my dad does not have enough strength to help her.

For their safety and my piece of mind they allow me to help guide changes in their lives so that they can age in place instead of moving into assisted living.  It seems to be a winning combination for us right now.  As they continue to age and become less mobile we will discuss options but for now it works.

How should you begin is the first question most people ask when thinking about any home improvement project.  The same question should come up when talking about building a residential wheelchair ramp.  It is no easy task.  It is however a must if you have someone in your life that needs a handicapped ramp.  This could be someone who has knee joint issues, is in a wheelchair, using a walker or even parents who use a stroller.  It takes a lot of effort to construct a handicapped ramp that works correctly and is not an eye sore.

Starting the construction of a handicapped ramp should only be done after you have answered a few questions regarding the project.  Ask yourself if the structure is meant to permanently be attached or are you only in need of a temporary wheelchair ramp.  The reasons you might only need a temporary handicapped ramp installed is if a parent is only coming to stay with you in the final stages of life.  You would need the ramp to ease the transition.

Ask yourself if this is a project you should be undertaking.  Do you have knowledge of the construction field?  Are you an experienced builder?  Do you have the time it takes to commit to a project of this size or would it be best to hire a licensed handicapped ramp installer?

It is important that you take time to read and understand the guidelines set forth in the Americans with Disabilities act.  Those guidelines help set in place all of the specifications which make the ramp safe.  Have you reviewed the specifications for the slope, width, landing and handrails?  It is important that all aspects be looked into when dealing with handicap accessible ramps.

Can you construct the ramp for prime maneuverability of the wheelchair or walker?  It is important that it is easy to use and that all the building code that is enforced in your area is properly met.  If you have any question in regards to your ability to start and complete the project it is best left to the professionals.

Hiring a professional handicapped ramp installer would be the first place I would turn when my parents finally want to stop living on their own.  My dad has problems walking up and down the stairs so it would alleviate a lot of the strain on his body.  In building a ramp for our home one of my goals would be to make sure it blends into the landscape and environment of our home and neighborhood community.  Handicapped ramps that are installed correctly truly enhance the beauty of a home and add value.

Keeping a person that is aging safe when they live alone is a key concern for many of us as our parent’s age. It is important for them to stay in their homes for as long as possible.  I can’t blame them for wanting to stay where the memories are.  It is comfortable and familiar.  Moving would be strange, unfamiliar and many older people do not handle change well.  All the more reason to alleviate the issues they have regarding aging in place as they arise.

The first thing we had to deal with as my parents got older was how to handle the steps to get inside their home.  The main area we needed for them to access was the area within the garage so that they could easily get to their vehicle.  We had a specialized handicap ramp contractor come in and evaluate the area.  He said that we needed to remove the steps going up into the house because they were incredibly steep.  He then said that a metal ramp was the best fit for the area.  It would be durable and offer extra grip for them to walk on it now and for walkers or wheelchairs later.

He also sold us on the handicap ramp for the front porch for safety reasons.  For instance, if the garage were to catch on fire they would need another way to exit the house.  The front porch would house a handicap ramp made from wood that would blend in to the existing landscaping.  This would keep the neighbors happy and my parents safe.

We did more drastic changes to the areas in the house that needed them.  We installed a chair lift for them to get into the basement.  No one wants their elderly parent climbing the stairs.  It was also important to remove the tub and toilet and add handicap accessible equipment throughout the bathroom.  The extra railings would be beneficial for offer stability.  We added a seat to the shower and a removable shower head for access to the shower even when help might not be around.

It was important to keep the memories around the house but to remove the clutter that canvassed the home.  This was a bit harder as they saw this as ‘the end”.  Instead I reminded them about the safety issues we were addressing and how the memories will live on even without every scrap of paper and such that recorded the event for them.  I did remove the sharp end and coffee table sin the living area and replaced them with ones that were shaped like a circle.  I would still worry about them falling just not hitting a sharp pointy end table.

When I looked into resources in our area I was shocked to find all types of senior benefits that were out there with a little work that I could find that would benefit them.  A volunteer service is in the area that offers opportunities for volunteers to assist the elderly with yard maintenance and handyman services.  This is helpful in keeping a bit of the autonomy they crave.  My parents can call and schedule a volunteer to come out to help clean or maintain the house.  This way they are not always relying on their children.

I am sure the handicap ramp and bathroom are just the start of many age in place remodels that will have to be done as my parents age.  Hopefully for us, their children, they will continue to be mobile enough to get around unassisted and still have the zest they have now. It is funny because their bodies have definitely aged but I still see their minds working as if they were in their forties.  They still give me a run for my money playing Euchre and Scrabble.

My parents are aging.  We are aware that since we are the closest family to them that as they age they will want to age in place with us.  With that is mind we are starting to take care in remodeling the house.  There are many contractors that offer age in place remodeling for this purpose alone.  I contacted a local contractor who put me in touch with a specialty contractor for aging in place remodeling and we were on our way.

One of the first changes we did before the contractor was hired was simple.  We needed a new refrigerator so when we were shopping for one we decided it would be best to find a model with the freezer on bottom.  We also went ahead and started to stock up on plastic plates and cups to avoid glass breakage should anything be dropped.  I know it would be too hard for one of them to clean it up and if we weren’t home it would leave room for injury.

We hired the contractor to come in when the bathroom age in place remodeling needed to be done.  It was decided that the safest bathing method would be a roomy walk in shower with a seating area.   The contractor showed us several designs and we agreed on one that would provide everything that was needed and alleviate any need to bend.  The toilet we decided to install a high rise style.  This would alleviate the need for a removable toilet seat.  I felt it would offer a bit more dignity to the area for them also.

The contractor was able to give us some advice after spending time in our home doing the age in place bathroom remodel.  He mentioned that we needed to eliminate all of the random throw rugs we had scattered throughout the house.  He told us if there were ones that we wanted to keep down it wasn’t the safest option but we could use double sided tape to tack the rugs down.

The one thing I wanted to keep in mind with this transition is our family’s needs for space and my parents need for autonomy.  They found ways to do the things that they could still do and were able to ask for solutions to do the things that were hard.  My parents needed me to wash their clothes but wanted me to let them fold and put them away.  The washer and dryer live in the basement and the stairs pose to big of a risk for them.  I still let the kids live life and have friends over, as did my spouse and I.  Instead of excluding them though we invited them in to our social circle and welcomed them.  Making them feel a part of our lives instead of an unwelcomed addition made life easier for all of us.

I hired the contractor to come back out when my mom started to use her walker more frequently.  It was a must to have a wheelchair ramp installed.  The handicap ramp was also helpful to my father as his knees were starting to ache on the decent from the house.

It is important that as our parent’s age and want to age in place instead of moving into assisted living that we create an environment as safe as possible for them.  We need to make the time they have here mean something.  It is necessary to make the little changes that help their bodies keep up with the spirit that still lives inside.  My parent’s bodies may be aging but they are both sharp and still wanting to be a part of life.  My goal as they age in our home is to facilitate that.

Hiring someone to come out to your home and fix your home should not be a hassle.  When you call a handyman to come out and perform handyman services you expect they show up when they say they will, do what they say they will do and return your calls when you have questions before or after the work is done.  It is important that you realize when you are hiring a handyman his services are mostly general maintenance projects and not full blown renovations.  If you are looking for someone to redo the whole bathroom you will call a contractor who specializes in bathroom remodeling.  If you are looking to have the faucet replaced you call on a handyman’s services.

To define further just what a handyman services covers I could end up in over my head regarding the definition.  An individual that offers a talent for general home repairs and maintenance for a sum of money is a handyman.  I know not too descriptive.  If I list out every talent that a handyman can posses I would be writing a novel.  Basically you will need to define your needs and find a handyman to meet them and most likely anyone calling themselves a handyman can handle the job.

There are a few rules to follow when hiring a handyman to help with the honey do list around your house.  The number one rule you need to follow is to have a clear idea of what you need and want.  This requires you making a list of what needs to be accomplished.  This way the handyman services can be quoted out and you can be sure you are getting what you paid for and that the handyman is also being compensated fairly.  Don’t start throwing other jobs into the mix after you have already agreed upon a fair compensation.  This is not how handyman services work.

In finding a handyman you should follow the second rule which is prospect handymen. This can include looking in local classified, the internet and word of mouth from friends and neighbors who have recently had work done.  Referrals are the best way to find someone who can be trusted and will complete a job in a timely manner for a fair rate.  Also check references and look at previous work that the individual has completed.  You can get a lot of information from meeting with someone to discuss the job.  If you gut instinct questions it at all you should continue researching handyman services.

When hiring an individual you must ask questions this is rule number three.  I am sure you wondering what type of things you should inquire about.  You must start by asking for references.  Don’t just stop there actually check them out.  Question them about the licenses they hold.  Make sure they are insured so that the work they do on your home is insured also.  If the handyman gets hurt at your home you want to make sure their insurance will cover them.  Find out how they charge.  Do they give free estimates? Do they charge per job, by hour or by half hour?  It should also be standard to check to see if consumer complaints exist against the handyman.

It is important with any service to look into all aspects of the job.  Hiring handyman services is something that requires a bit of work upfront but as you continue to need work on your home done will pay off.  Once you find someone reliable that does work you are happy with at a reasonable price point you are set.  Getting there may take some research and time but the work that you have done will be well worth it.

Have you given thought about what types of needs you will have as you age? Do you plan on staying in your own home, often referred to as aging in place, or do you plan on living the good life in a senior living complex? Many people want to keep their independence for as long as possible. This gets trickier if you live in a home with any type of obstacle. Age in place remodeling helps conquer many of those problems that creep up on us as our bodies start to not respond the way they did in the past. We will look into several items that will help you or your loved ones age in place helping to keep independence in the lives of loved ones as long as possible.

First, a huge obstacle many older people or people with knee issues face, getting up and down the stairs. Many homes have basements nowadays. Washers and dryers are often kept on this level. I know in my Uncles case he has both his wood working area and his hunting workshop set up in the basement. It is important to still access these areas even if our knees and hips don’t allow for it anymore. Stair lifts have been invented for this purpose. A lift is practical and can be installed on any type of stairs. Search out a local contractor in your area that is licensed and works with companies to meet the physical challenges of their clients.

Next people are often concerned with ease of access into and out of the home. It is becoming very common to install ramps for handicapped access. Handicap ramps can really help seniors who wish to age in place by eliminating the strain that stairs often bring getting in and out of the home. Ramps can be made to blend naturally into the design of the home and can often be made for temporary or permanent use. Materials for ramps vary also. It is common to use metal or wood for ramps. Make sure when hiring an age in place remodeler to build a wheel chair ramp that you make sure they are following ADA guidelines. The Americans with Disabilities Act clearly lays out guidelines and specifications for handicap ramps.

Smaller home renovations such as bathroom grab bars, changing out door knobs for handles and tub modifications are all items to think about when preparing for those later years. As my dad aged we found it necessary to begin making the minor changes around the home for him. As he grumbled we started to rearrange things in his home to make it safer and more convenient for him to access those things he used on a daily basis. Even though he is only in his late sixties it was necessary to install grab bars in his shower and by the toilet more for convenience right now than necessity. With aging knees it is often difficult for him to raise himself up without extra support.

If you begin as you see the need arise it can make that transition of aging in place less of a strain then if all of a sudden one day the realization hits that self sufficiency is deteriorating. Age in place remodeling is a common practice these days. Even with the beautiful senior living facilities people want to stay in the comfort of their own homes for as long as possible. Aging in place doesn’t just affect seniors think about the middle aged who suffer from MS or other diseases that disable one’s body. A little remodeling to make the home safer and more maneuverable is all that is needed to keep individuals living the independent lives they crave.