Could your home use a little remodeling? If your elderly parent is moving in, it might need it—just for accessibility. Of course, that can be expensive. So can a fall though. What to do?
If you’re on a budget, “remodelers advise concentrating on bathrooms and transitions into the house,” reports the Kiplinger’s Money Power column. Granted, “on a budget” is a relative term.
A landscaped ramp or walkway costs between $2,000 and $5,000. A bathroom remodeled with grab bars, an elevated toilet and a curbless shower will run $6,000 to $18,000 or more.
In the bedroom, things are more pocketbook friendly. “Focus on safe flooring, lighting and bed height, says New York City gerontologist and interior designer Rosemary Bakker.” Her advice includes removing throw rugs and making sure the bed’s not over 18 to 24 inches high.
Also, get rid of clutter, including cords, says architect Wid Chapman, co-author of Unassisted Living: Ageless Homes for Later Life. And that doesn’t cost a thing. Neither does our free in-home fall assessment, for that matter. Contact us to schedule one today and make sure your home is in tip-top shape for your elderly parent.
