Tag: Handicap Construction - page 2

The Art Of Age In Place Remodeling

Posted on October 28, 2014 by Creative Programs and Systems

Aging in place is a concept that is easy to get on board with. The concept of universal design and age in place remodeling are both widely accepted concepts within the home improvement arena. This may possibly come from the idea that many of us are staying healthier longer and are able to care for ourselves within our home environment. The idea of having the freedom of living alone taken away from us is frightening and for the most part something many of us want to avoid. This is completely possible with smart remodeling.

Tips To Consider For Age In Place Remodeling

First consider the space you live in. Is the home all on one floor or are there levels of the home that you will need access too? This is the first concern to address within every space. If the home is a ranch are the hallways too long? Do you easily lose stamina walking from one end of the house to the other? If the home is on more than one floor will you consider the addition of an elevator or chair lift? These are all pricey renovations that really need some forethought.
Install at least one entry way into the home that includes a no-step entry. With this comes some special considerations including making sure the space has a covered entry. Additional drainage and a level space to maneuver on outside of the entryway.
The doors within the home may need to be widened to accommodate the use of a wheelchair or walker. Altering doorways can be difficult in that you have to be aware of wiring as well as the structural load of the home. This is one alteration that may not be easy but is essential in easing access into and out of rooms within the home.
Another renovation that is often done with aging in place is the addition of pocket doors. This allows the homeowner to have additional space to maneuver without the hassle of a door in the way. Pocket doors have one drawback that is easily modified, the handles. In order to accommodate aging hands and lessened dexterity add a pull to both sides of the pocket that fits just outside the pocket.
Bathroom spaces are always the most renovated rooms within homes that are undergoing basic changes to allow for aging in place. The addition of a walk in tub is not necessary. They are expensive and offer only a very narrow door in which to enter. All of which I see to be a hazard. Instead consider ripping out the tub and in its place adding a walk-in, no-step entry shower. Include in the space easy to maneuver temperature controlled faucets, a built in bench seat with plenty of grab bars to help sturdy aging bodies as well as an adjustable, removable shower head.

When it comes to any age in place remodeling project consider how it will ease your lifestyle. The list above includes the most common issues seen in homes that are renovating to allow for aging in place.

The Home Doctor, based in Livingston County including Brighton and Howell Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from bathroom remodeling to age in place home modifications. Contact http://glenmillerthehomedoctor.com/ today all of your home renovating needs.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

Age in Place, Age In Place Contractor, age in place modifications, Barrier Free Contractor, Barrier Free Tubs, Handicap Construction, Home Renovations Ease Mobility

Improving Care With Age In Place Remodeling and Universal Design

Posted on September 23, 2014 by Creative Programs and Systems

People in today’s society are living longer. They are in better health and can remain independent longer than even the people of our grandparent’s generation. Even in better health, growing older means that special arrangements need to be made around the house to assure safety and to meet the needs of our changing abilities. If you have decided that you are going to downsize and move into a smaller home look for a home built under universal design guidelines. However, if you are hoping to remain in your current home there are many age in place renovations that can be done to maintain independence while increasing safety.

Homes that are built with the universal design philosophy are produced in and environment with products that are created especially for older people or people with disabilities. Barrier free layout concepts are applied throughout the home while maintaining the aesthetics of the home. Examples of universal design applied to the home include:

Entrance and exits on the ground level are smooth and easy to access.
Flooring surfaces are created with texture to remain slip resistant.
Throughout the home handles are levered instead of knobs.
Bright lighting is present in abundance in every room of the home.

Many people choose to stay within their own homes instead of moving to a home that explores the universal design concept. When this is the case there are several age in place modification that can be put into place that will make the environment safer while keeping the aesthetic beauty of the original home. Here are some simple age in place modifications that can be done to create a safe and secure environment for aging adults.

Reduce the temperature on the water heater to avoid scalding.
Knobs on doors, faucets and cabinets should be replaced by levers.
In the entrance and exits of the home additional lighting, with motion sensors should be installed.
All flooring should be inspected. Remove all scatter rugs and add texture strips to any flooring that is slick such as bathroom and kitchen tiles.
If the home has steps make sure that handrails are secure. If the stairs are used on a regular basis consider adding an additional handrail to the opposite side of the stairway as well.
Special care is needed throughout the bathroom area. Install easy to use levers handles on the sink, shower and bathtub. Add grab bars and install non-stick strips to the slick tub surface and bathroom flooring. Lighting with a motion sensor is a nice addition to the bathroom of aging adults as well.
Add additional lighting to the kitchen. Cabinetry should be installed with sliding shelves to allow for easier access. Tools that are used frequently should be moved to locations that are easy to reach and that don’t require bending or reaching.
Furniture should be arranged throughout the house to allow for minimal obstructions.
Telephones should be installed in easy to reach locations throughout the house. This can easily be done by installing a central phone base with additional charging ports in every room in the home.

Changes to your home should be done over the course of time. As you are remodeling your home consider using age in place remodeling products and techniques. This allows for a gradual transition transforming your home into a safe place to age.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

Age in Place, Age In Place Contractor, age in place modifications, Barrier Free Contractor, Barrier Free Tubs, Handicap Construction, Home Renovations Ease Mobility

Choosing Between Permanent and Temporary Wheelchair Ramps

Posted on August 20, 2014 by Creative Programs and Systems

There comes a time in all of our lives where we have to make tough decisions about the care of a relative. Often times this window of care is relatively short but difficult. There are a million decisions to consider when bringing a loved one into your home to be cared for. One of the choices that may need to be consider has to do with access the home. When a wheelchair is needed to ease movement not only throughout the house but granting access into and out of the house handicap ramps are considered.

When it comes to installing a wheelchair ramp this alone brings a myriad of decisions to consider; the first of many is whether you want to install a temporary or permanent ramp. More often than not a temporary handicap ramp will suffice. The need for a handicap ramp in most of our homes is just that, temporary. Most situations that require the use of a wheelchair are temporary, a child breaks a leg, or a parent comes to live out their final time. The ramp is only needed to provide ease of movement for a short period of time and therefore doesn’t require become a permanent fixture.

There are situations in which it is necessary to install a permanent handicap ramp to a home. This is the case when there is a long term diagnosis that will make moving in and out of the house more difficult as time progresses. When certain illnesses or accidents occur it can leave us limited in mobility. Permanent handicap ramps allow us to easily maneuver in and out of our home while keeping the aesthetics of the home intact. Permanent wheelchair ramps are created to blend in to the home’s exterior creating a seamless transition between the interior and exterior of the home.

It is up to individual homeowners, dependent on their unique situation whether to install a permanent or temporary ramp. Once this is decided upon there are several other considerations that need to be solidified before construction can be started. One decision that needs to be made is what material to build the ramp from. Ramps are most commonly aluminum or wooden. Another consideration is the length of the ramp. Think about the slope of your entrance when considering the length of a ramp. Although shorter ramps are easier to move from one spot to another, in the case of multiple entry and exit points, they also increase the steepness of the ramp. Longer ramps are easier to manipulate for users. The drawback occur if the ramp needs to be moved and the expense. Longer ramps are naturally more expensive than shorter ones. More material is needed to make them and the installation process takes more time.

No matter what you decide; temporary or permanent, long or short, aluminum or wood the same end result is desired. Easing the mobility of entry and exit to the home for loved ones who are having an increasingly difficult time maneuvering stairways. Handicap ramps are great not only for wheelchair users but for people needing canes and walkers to assist in walking as well as those that suffer from knee, back or hip issues.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

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Home Improvements That Increase Your Home’s Value

Posted on June 18, 2014 by Creative Programs and Systems

Are you looking to sell your home this summer? There are some minor tweaks that can really add value to your home. Inexpensive upgrades may not increase the value of your home however they can help you sell your home faster. When looking to sell your home quickly here are some tricks that can improve the time it takes to sell your home. There are also some improvements that hurt you when going to sell your home. Here is a list of things to think about when working to sell your home before summer ends.

One thing to make sure of is that you don’t improve your home in ways that will not matter to buyers. When looking to sell your home, before starting any home improvements talk with local contractors and professional realtors. They will help you better understand the desires of buyers in your particular area. If buyers are looking for extra bedrooms or bathrooms you will know how to change the space you have to fit those desires.

One area in which homeowners often upgrade unnecessarily is high end appliance and fixtures. While in certain homes, within certain areas this may be a necessity for many homes new appliances from well-known name brands are better than top notch quality, super technical appliances and upgrades. Instead of high quality appliances, purchase decent appliances and use the extra money to inexpensively update carpet and deep clean grout. The cleaner, more maintained a home the easier it is to sell.

The layout and use of rooms is another thing that helps sell your home quickly. If you have a spare room but buyers are looking for nurseries manipulate the space to resemble what they are looking for. Change the homes layout and use of space to meet the buyer’s demands in your area. Office spaces may be a must for buyers in one area while game rooms may be what is needed in other areas. Your realtor will help you to understand what local home buyers are looking for in your home. The layout of your home should be changed to meet the buyer instead of what was convenient and needed for your family while you lived within the space.

De-clutter and minimize in every room. Your home should be free of personal litter and knick-knack. Take your space back to the basics. Create a home where buyers can see themselves and not just your family. When buyers are looking to purchase a home it is important that they can see themselves and their belongings in the home.

Other cheap alternatives to making home improvements without too much outlay are new ceiling fan blades, touch up paint on the exterior add touches that buyers in your area are looking for. Don’t put on a ton of money upgrades when you are looking towards your future in a new home. Room additions, kitchen renovations, bathroom remodels and basement remodeling are all projects to be left to the new owner. Save your money and only take on the small renovations that will make a visual difference.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

age in place modifications, age in place remodeling, Handicap Construction, home improvement services, Home Improvements, home modifications, Renovation Services

Straightforward Tips In Home Remodeling To Age In Place

Posted on April 21, 2014 by Creative Programs and Systems

There is an increase in the number of seniors choosing to stay in their homes rather than moving into assisted living facilities. With the rise of our older generation staying within their homes it is important that we as caregivers know how to provide an environment free of obstacles that may hinder the homes accessibility.

Many age in place home renovations can be done by do it yourselfers but others such as the installation of wheelchair ramps require hiring an outside contractor. The list below will provide you with some easy tips on renovating the home to provide a safe living environment to grow old.

One easy tip is removing loose rugs and carpets. This may not sound like a big deal but this easy and inexpensive tip makes a large impact. If it is impractical to remove the rugs secure them with the use of double sided sticky tape. Loose rugs and carpets increase the risk that comes along with falling as one ages. A fall in your twenties is totally different than a fall in your sixties. Bones are brittle and are at an increased risk of breaking. The healing process is also not the same. All rugs and carpets should either be removed or secured to prevent accidents from the loss of mobility we experience as we age.

Consider updating hard to use appliances. Seniors tend to have issues with mobility and bending in general. Limit the need for them to stretch or excessively bend. This can be done with simple appliance updates such as a new raised front loading washer and dryer. The basic goal in updating appliances is finding models that adapt to the changing needs we experience as we age.

Replace the handles on cabinets and doors throughout the home. Lever style door handles are much easier to use and require much less effort to open them. Seniors with arthritis will find traditional doors hard to open. Cabinet pulls make cabinets easier to open as well. These simple changes are effective and inexpensive. Little updates make life much easier with aging joints.

Another simple change that makes life easier on seniors is replacing old style light switches to new style rocker switches. Arthritis can be an incredibly debilitating disease that makes seniors unable to accomplish the simplest of tasks. Rocker style light switches make turning the lights on and off simple.

The most important tip of all is to update the bathroom. Most accidents when it comes to seniors happens in the bathroom. Make the switch from a traditional style tub to a no threshold shower with a bench and grab bars. It is also important that you replace the smaller traditional toilets with a higher toilet. This will make getting up off of the toilet much easier alleviating the strain that comes with getting up off of the toilet.

Seniors thrive when allowed to continue to live independently. It is important to allow them the freedom that comes when still in your own living environment instead of moved to a retirement home. The tips included in this article will start you on your way to providing a safe place to continue to live the life they want.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

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Reason To Hire A Handicap Accessible Ramp Installation Professional

Posted on August 20, 2012 by Creative Programs and Systems

Adding a handicap accessible ramp to your home is a project best left to the pros. This is true whether you are looking to put in place a custom wood ramp designed with a current porch space in mind or a more temporary aluminum ramp solution. Handicap ramp installation is a job for the professionals. It is difficult to properly install and build a handicap accessible ramp without complete knowledge of what needs to done. This helps to maximize the ramps usability and safety for the user.

When a handicap ramp contractor first meets with you to talk about what your need is in regards to adding a ramp onto the entrance they will already be well aware of the ADA requirements. This can be tricky for an amateur ramp designer. The other thing that professionals bring to the table is that they are well versed in the laws surrounding the addition of a ramp to the home. They have experience working with the city and will be able to determine right away if the site is compatible with certain designs and if not will be able to suggest what will work.

Professional ramp contractors come to the home with the necessary skills to start planning for the ramp. Many do it yourself type people rely on the “wing it” method. This will not work in regards to a handicap ramps and the safety of your loved one. Ramps installers come prepared to put a drawing together of what is needed. They also take into account when digging is required and are able to notify the proper authorities to get the property surveyed for gas lines, power lines and other electrical wires.

Handicap ramps are a bit tricky to design and implement. When they are being designed around an existing dwelling it is especially difficult. Professionals are able to look at the details in regards to the wheelchair accessible ramp and design it with the ADA guidelines for the maximum run length, landing space, leveling, hand rail requirements and minimum and maximum widths of openings and landings. This is a lot of information for a novice to perfect for inspectors who will be ensuring the viability of the ramp.

Budgeting is also something to consider when looking at having a ramp installed. Professional ramp installation companies will give you multiple quotes to consider before settling in on a particular type. Remember, certain materials will need more care to maintain. If you are considering a wooden handicap ramp to be installed it will need to be treated and cared for after the initial installation. Also consider if your area is wet or snowy you will have to accommodate with traction at key points throughout the ramp.

Having a ramp installed on your home is a new adventure for most homeowners. If you are unsure of exactly what you are looking for as the installers for pictures of work that has previously been done by him for inspiration. Homeowners can also seek ideas from neighbors who have had ramps built. Ramps are a project often too complicate for the average homeowner. Seriously consider hiring a professional in for this age in place renovation.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

barrier free living, Bathroom renovation, Handicap Construction, Handyman Services, Hardwood Floor Remodeling, Home Remodeling, Home Safety Modifications For Seniors, kitchen remodeling, Wheelchair Ramp Installation

Preparations For The Home When Caring For Aging Parents

Posted on August 20, 2012 by Creative Programs and Systems

With the costs associated with various assisted living communities and retirement facilities it is becoming infeasible to consider this option for many seniors. There is a rise of seniors aging in place, continuing to live within their homes with modifications, and moving in with their adult children to care for them. With this rise in at home care there are certain adjustments to the home that need to be made to ensure the safety of elderly parents.

Whether you are moving your parents in to your home or they are staying in theirs things to consider change as they grow even older. At first it might not be apparent that an adjustment in how they enter and exit the home is needed. However as they age and their needs change it is possible that the entrance will need to be equipped with a handicap accessible ramp. These ramps can be temporary or permanent and come in a variety of materials. You can purchase custom aluminum wheelchair ramps or have a custom built wooden handicap ramp installed. Handicap ramps allow seniors ease of access whether on foot, using a walker, cane or in a wheelchair.

Another area of great concern for aging parents is the bathroom area. Privacy is still a large concern for them and this space should allow for independent ease of access. There are several ways to update accessibility in a bathroom wither permanent or temporary. If you are looking to make permanent changes a barrier free shower with a seating area is a wonderful upgrade. Another upgrade that needs to be made is the use of grab bars and safety rails. It is also important to install a raised toilet or raised seat over the toilet. Getting up from a seated position is difficult as we age. Remember space around the sink needs to be easily accessed as well.

If an aging parent is moving into your home consider it is imperative to set up a space for them to escape to. Remember aging does not come easily for them either. They have become set in their ways and adjusted to quiet and personal space; moving in with an adult child was not what they had planned either. Turn a larger room in the home into a bedroom area with seating, a television, phone and possibly a small refrigerator. This way when they are ready to retreat they are able to.

It is important to make sure the home is as free of hazards as possible. Mobility issues become ever more visible as we age. Throw rugs and rough transitions can all turn into tripping dangers. This is even truer if a walker is in use within the home.

Aging in place is an incredibly common option in elder care nowadays. If you know this is what you are hoping for when it comes to your loved ones consider guiding their home renovations in this direction as they begin to age within their own homes. The same will be true within your own space. If you know a parent living with you is in the cards eventually it is best to make the small changes and upgrade gradually as you are renovation currently.

Barrier free home renovations are a valuable when it comes to the resale value of a home as well. The accommodations that can be made within the space are incredible and can be done without bring attention to the fact they are being done for elder care. Age in place modifications can be done in a sleek, custom manner that prevents the home from looking as if it is a care facility. It is amazing what a licensed professional in barrier free remodeling can do to transform your accommodations for elder care.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

Simple Easy Methods To Slow Aging

Posted on June 8, 2012 by Creative Programs and Systems

Aging is a thing that is certainly unavoidable and many people don’t look forward to it. There are lots of stereotypes about aging that are incorrect. Aging can be an enjoyable process if you locate the way to embrace it. By looking into making simple changes towards the life you might be already living you can also stay in your home and age in position. This document will give you some tips to help you enjoy the aging process, rather than dreading it.

A means to slow getting older is to find meaning in your life. Getting the feeling that somebody expects that you be somewhere on a weekly basis, that you’ve friends that trust your or that you’ve a teen that looks for your requirements for guidance could be the inspiration you should desire to live longer. Have a go at groups that travel or senior center activities. Invite friends over for supper and cards. It’s always best to have a balance between bringing life in your environment and getting out.

If you wish to live longer and lead a proper life, move out and walk. The self-help guide to walking is usually to walk 6000 to ten thousand steps every day. Have an inexpensive pedometer to record your steps and acquire out and walk. You don’t need to be an experienced marathon runner to take pleasure from some great benefits of a sound body. Add a friend to the mix and walking gets a great social outlet. The key objective is to maintain your mobility. With the ability to get around helps seniors to live independently longer. If aging available is essential to you personally because an assisted living facility isn’t your notion of fun then make sure you are leading a dynamic lifestyle.

An advice and also hardwearing . skin on top of its game is usually to lather sunscreen to assist steer clear of the aging of the epidermis. The sun is spreading hazardous UV radiation, which can dramatically damage the skin and cause lines, wrinkles, and also melanoma. To avoid this radiation from getting to your skin, wear sunscreen protection or wear enough clothing to guard yourself. Even on cloudy days, the rays can penetrate the clouds.

Every night, sleep a minimum of 7 to 9 hours. Insufficient sleep can lead to diseases from depression to coronary disease, and has been associated with cancer. Exercise helps. Some doctors recommend melatonin (a hormone manufactured in humans through the pineal gland) or L-theanine, an amino found in tea. See an age management physician for advice on leading and maintaining cook since your needs change. It can be difficult to admit it your needs medicinally should be revamped and geared toward aging to prevent small issue leading into some thing.

Keeping mentally active can help anyone to age gracefully. Mental activities be more difficult as we age, but like a muscle, mental performance could be kept match activity. Some popular pastimes which encourage mental activity are suduko and crossword puzzles. Conducting a puzzle each day can keep forgetfulness away. Another activity that is fun and keeps your brain working is games about the computer or even games using the grand kids on the wii systems or x-boxes. Not only is this a terrific way to keep your mind sharp but to get fun at the same time.

Be sure to spend your days with issues that you love knowning that give you happiness. Should it be a pet that keeps you going, or colors and music. Anything, make your home your refuge, a location to escape the stressors around the globe you live in. If surrounding yourself with others is what keeps you going than you will need to be certain that you’re associated with social events. If you are an individual that adores your dog have a go at volunteer activities that surround working with animals. Shelters will always be needing website visitors to help. You might answer phones or play with the kittens. Hospitals also have programs for seniors to volunteer time. Whatever you interests revolve around is where you could consider looking.

Simple handicap construction modifications can be added around your home to really make it a safe and secure environment to remain to age in. Help your house be easier to get around in by removing rugs and also other things it is simple to slip on. Place things that you apply on a regular basis within reach. By making your house easier to live in, you can relax rather than can not do things you once did. Adapt, and ageing will likely be easier. This is often easily accomplished with a barrier free specialist into the future in and access how old you are available needs. Bear in mind the needs you have will change while you age further so it is important to make renovations in the home with this in mind.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor completes a variety of construction projects from the home. If you interested in home safety modifications, handicap construction and general home remodeling and renovations check Glen’s work out online today where you will find useful information and solutions on a variety of

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

Head Off Accidents By Creating A Secure Barrier Free Home

Posted on May 22, 2012 by Creative Programs and Systems

Handicap construction including barrier free living has become the most up-to-date trend in senior care. Developing a space that allows individuals with special needs to live independently and in a safe environment is the goal for many of us with aging seniors and family members that have any kind handicap. One of the greatest troublesome areas in different home for accidents is the bathroom.

Planning for a handicap accessible bathroom is incredibly essential in age in place bathroom renovation. When considering the next phase don’t overlook how important ease of access is when considering the shower or bath tub unit. You can actually overlook but when dealing in handicap construction is a bit of the puzzle to take into account within the overall bathroom design.

Individuals met with mobility challenges require tweaking in construction design however still want exactly the same things someone without a challenge want independence and privacy. The goal in making use of bathroom safety aides is to create this private, independent space for their use. Thankfully technology today gives us use of bathroom aides which are designed if you use a walker, wheelchair or scooter device in mind.

Think about when folks are in need of utilizing a wheelchair regularly. In handling the important points linked to handicap construction you must ensure each room is easily accessible. Because of this doorways need to be wider than the usual standard door. The ADA standard requires a thirty-six inch door opening as a minimum requirement for doorway access. Hallways should easily accommodate with a minimum width of forth eight inches. When measuring for handicap constructions take into consideration the turn radius of the wheelchair too. A wheelchair should easily be capable of turn from the bathroom.

Showers which are handicap accessible provide an environment that’s comfortable and secure making the showering receive an independent experience. When constructing your bathrooms to match handicap mobility need a number of key features to keep in mind. One of these brilliant is adding seating to the shower area. The idea is to generate a barrier free shower with easy access for your wheelchair to get moved in and out. Adding an internal seat will ensure safety and simplicity of transfer. It’s also important to consider adding multiple grab bars and convenient shelving for bath care items. Keeping pieces of reach allow individuals to accommodate their own showering needs without requiring assistance. This really is something we all value however are especially grateful for if it’s easy.

The toilet is the one other item to consider in a handicap construction bathroom remodel. This can be something most of us ignore: the simplicity of waking up through the toilet. In handicap construction it is crucial to never miss this element. Purchase a toilet that’s meant particularly for people with mobility needs. The ADA recommends the use of toilets which might be higher or investing in a chair for use over the toilet. Also mount grab bars all-around individuals to use to transfer on and off the commode. Consider the level of the sink, soap and hand towels too.

When contemplating a handicap construction bathroom remodel to aid your aging senior or handicap loved one involve them in the process. The person may be the best supply of information as much as what’s going to ease their life and build a completely independent environment.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor