This general contractor can help you age in place
Climbing up a flight of steps or getting into a bathtub may become increasingly difficult with age. Royal Home Improvements, a residential renovation general contractor, and recommended partner with the Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP), understands the increasing need to provide home modifications that allow homeowners to live comfortably and safely in their homes.eieihome.com spoke to Paul Napolitano, owner of Royal Home Improvements, about why homeowners should start thinking about the future now.
It’s never too early
“It may not be a practical consideration for the homeowner now, but in the future, physical limitations and accessibility may be important determinants of where you live.” Mobility and the risks associated with slips and falls that come from aging are common thoughts among aging homeowners, says Napolitano.
Plan for the future now to avoid difficulty living in your home in the long run.
This general contractor specializes in aging in place renovations
Working with a contractor that has knowledge of appropriate renovations to age in place is beneficial for homeowners, says Napolitano. That’s why he and his son John completed the Certified Aging-in-Place (CAPS) designation program, which is designed to provide contractors with practical information about remodeling homes for aging in place.
“Homeowners can be confident dealing with a qualified expert,” says Napolitano, adding he and John are able to consult and advise homeowners on the modifications they should consider upon visiting their home.
To obtain certification, an individual must have 5 years minimum experience in the renovation industry. Royal Home Improvements has 40+ years experience.
Modifications are designed to make life easier
A person with limited mobility may have difficulty maneuvering through a bathroom. It’s a typical place in the home that will receive this kind of treatment. “People are replacing bathtubs with walk-in tubs or showers with limited to no threshold, which is a tripping hazard,” he says.
Another consideration to make when aging in place is the use of a wheelchair to move around the home.
“Getting through your home in a wheelchair requires spacing that isn’t necessarily [an issue] if someone gets around on foot,” he says. “Making that space can be a more acute problem in some homes than others.”
This renovated kitchen allows this couple to age in place safely and comfortably.
You don’t have to sacrifice style for function
The things that make a house a home, like your personal style, don’t have to be sacrificed in order to make aging in place modifications. With bathrooms for example, the right combination of design, new fixtures and accessories will result in a beautiful space retrofitted for the benefit of your health and safety, says Napolitano.
The right home modifications will keep your home looking stylish and functional at the same time.
Modified homes suit all generations
A modified home designed for aging in place is also considered a “grand design” if it promotes multi-generational living. “It’s suitable for a range of occupants, from grandchildren to grandparents,” says Napolitano.
If staying in your home is on your mind, contact the aging in place specialists at Royal Home Improvements. They have the knowledge and training to transform your home so you can live safely without sacrificing comfort. Besides, isn’t moving too much work?
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Written By: Jessica Vitullo
