Are you considering adding an extension to your home to accommodate one or both of your aging parents? What a great and thoughtful idea! This allows you to design a space tailored to their needs while keeping them close to your family for any assistance they may require. Here are some key features to include in your home addition to ensure it’s the perfect fit. The first step is partnering with a Boston contractor that specializes in additions like this.
Plan for Future Needs
Consider these eventualities:
- One or both of your parents may eventually need to use a wheelchair. Will the new addition have enough space to accommodate it?
- When your parent can no longer manage getting into the shower, you’ll want to consider installing a tub designed for seniors or other accessibility features.
- If your parents no longer can safely use stairs in the future, plan for a wider staircase for a stair chair later on, or minimize the use of steps in the addition.
- While your parents may be mobile now, think ahead and plan for any potential challenges they could face in the future when designing the space.
Provide All Essential Amenities in the Home Addition
When your parents move into their new space, they will need all the creature comforts of home. This means you’ll have to create an area where they can have their own private space in which to relax, such as a separate bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom. If possible, adding a private entrance can allow them to come and go freely without disrupting your family’s daily routine.
Minimize the Need for Stairs
Even if your parents don’t have trouble with stairs now, it’s likely they may in the future. It’s best to design the addition with minimal or no stairs both inside and outside. If stairs are unavoidable, keep them to a minimum—ideally, just one or two steps—and have a plan ready in case they become too difficult for your parents to navigate.
As noted above, you may want to install a stair chair or stairlift to easily and safely navigate a staircase. These assistive devices allow your loved one to navigate stairs safely without the worry of falling, helping them maintain both mobility and independence, which ultimately enhances their quality of life.
Minimize Fall Risks
For many seniors, falls are a major concern that requires proactive prevention. While a medical necklace device like LifeAlert can be helpful, there are additional steps you can take when designing and building their new living space to minimize fall risks.
One of the simplest ways to prevent falls is by installing railings and grab bars in high-risk areas. Key spots to focus on include bathrooms, showers, stairs, and long hallways that lack support.
Private Spaces for Dignified Aging
As parents age, they may find it difficult to adjust to losing some of their independence, especially if they’ve been accustomed to making their own decisions for many years. While living with adult children may become necessary for reasons related to safety or finances, it’s important that they don’t have to sacrifice their privacy in the process. A thoughtful home addition or remodeling of existing space can address these privacy concerns.
Consider adding a private bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, a cozy living area, or even a small kitchenette. This arrangement provides a balance of proximity and independence, allowing family members to be close while still offering a space for personal time and privacy.
Contact AD Construction
Here at AD Construction, we know a thing or two about creating thoughtful additions for aging parents. To get a free quote from our Boston commercial renovation contractors, contact us at 877-345-BUILD.
