Could your home use a little remodeling? If your elderly parent is moving in, it might need it\u2014just for accessibility. Of course, that can be expensive. So can a fall though. What to do?<\/p>\n
If you’re on a budget, “remodelers advise concentrating on bathrooms and transitions into the house,” reports the Kiplinger’s Money Power<\/em> column. Granted, “on a budget” is a relative term.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n