So far in this series we have focused on fall prevention, and how it can factor into your remodeling and renovation plans. Today we’re moving away from fall prevention to address another big concern when planning to age in place – accessibility. Making your home accessible to a range of different mobilities will ensure that you can spend more time in your home safely and independently as you get older. This is just the first post of many in our aging in place series that will focus on mobility. Today we have a short post focusing on hallways and doors.

There may come a time when you or a loved one has to make use of a walker or wheelchair, however many older homes do not have hallways and doorways that can accommodate the width of a wheelchair. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) recommends that hallways be at least 36 inches wide, and goes on to say that wider than that would be preferred.

 

 

The NAHB also recommends that interior doors have levered handles installed rather than the traditional round door knob. The reason for this is that levered door handles are far easier to use for those with limited dexterity.

Keep checking back for more of our aging in place series, next time we will be covering accessibility in the kitchen. If you have any questions about remodeling or renovating your home with aging in place in mind please feel free to contact us.