Aging in Place Home Mods for Seniors

San Diego contractor tells all about home remodeling for the special needs of the elderly and/or handicapped who are choosing aging in place instead of a nursing home.

Please Note: We only do major construction projects and large scale home remodeling. We are not a handyman service so we don’t do small simple tasks. Which is good for you because paying a general contractor to perform a lower price handyman service is not cost effective for you.

Aging in Place

“Aging in Place, a term gaining popularity among seniors, refers to the process of living in one’s existing home, which has been modified to meet specific needs. The goal is to enable seniors to live safely, independently, and comfortably in their community. In San Diego, CA, HK Construction specializes in providing aging in place construction services.

Aging in place has become an increasingly popular choice among seniors, allowing them to stay connected to their cherished communities and memories while receiving the care they deserve. We believe that every individual, regardless of age or ability, deserves a living space that caters to their specific needs and offers utmost convenience.

As people age, living independently in their homes becomes more challenging. Therefore, making home modifications to enhance safety and comfort is crucial for the overall health and well-being of seniors. Hiring a reliable contractor experienced in aging in place modifications can help prevent accidents and ensure a conducive living environment for elders.

Many seniors now prefer staying in their homes or moving in with their children instead of opting for nursing or rest homes. However, turning a home into a three-generation living space can be daunting. To address this, it is essential to incorporate convenience and safety features into the home that are typically found in managed elder care facilities.”

Crafting Comfort for Loved Ones

Home Remodeling for the Elderly

There are 3 primary stages of home remodeling for the elderly. They are:

  1. Active and healthy, no urgent needs: This group includes elders who want to stay in their current home. They are active and healthy, not experiencing immediate or extreme health or mobility issues.
  2. Progressive condition-based needs: Chronic or progressive conditions that requires special modifications and attention. These people are usually aware of their needs but meeting them is not necessarily urgent. Many have chronic conditions such as diabetes and lung/heart disease that may be frustrating and challenging but are not immediately life threatening.
  3. Traumatic change needs: This group includes those who have an abrupt or immediate change that demands adjustments in the living environment for aging in place. Such as major home modifications or universal design.

Each level comes with its own unique needs and challenges. So you can count on us to be there for you. We can guide you though these difficult life changes with the right level of home remodeling for the elderly.

With Age Comes Certain Needs

Bonus Room Construction Contractor San Diego CA

Great Room for Elders – Photo Credit: palmettophoto1 Pixabay

With the passage of time, the retiree population is steadily increasing, with around ten thousand baby boomers retiring each day. This diverse group of retirees faces different choices regarding their living arrangements – some may opt for downsizing to smaller homes, while others prefer to age in place, staying in their current homes for as long as possible. As homeowners age, their needs evolve, necessitating home modifications tailored to cater to their changing requirements.

Home modifications for seniors play a crucial role in enhancing accessibility and accommodating the specific needs of aging homeowners. Ensuring ease of reach and use becomes paramount in this process. For instance, adjustments like lowering counter heights, cupboards, and light switches can significantly improve accessibility for someone using a wheelchair.

In addition to wheelchair-friendly modifications, widening doorways becomes essential to allow smooth mobility throughout the home. Simple adaptability changes, such as installing grab bars in bathrooms, can greatly enhance safety and convenience.

Ideally, incorporating elder care features into the home’s universal design during its initial construction offers substantial benefits. Such features are designed to be robust, user-friendly, and suitable for individuals of all ages. This foresight enables the home to be flexible and easily adaptable to meet any potential special needs of its occupants down the road. Embracing the principles of universal design ensures that the home remains accommodating and convenient, regardless of the homeowner’s evolving requirements over time.

Home Renovations Tips for Comfort & Convenience

  • Widen doorways to 36 inches or more.
  • Entrance should have no steps. If that’s not possible, install a ramp.
  • Install pocket doors wherever you can.
  • Install user-friendly appliances.
  • Replace kitchen sinks with shallower ones.

Major Safety Renovations for Aging in Place

  • Install handicap ramps to accommodate a wheelchair.
  • Create a multi-functional master suite on the first floor.
  • Install a ground-floor bathroom with low-rise tub and walk-in or curbless shower.
  • Adjust the height of all counter tops.
  • Lower the cupboards for easy access.
  • Replace flooring so that you have a smooth surface.
  • Install chair lifts on stairs and/or home elevator.
  • And more!

While retirement might not be on the immediate horizon, proactive planning is essential, especially if aging in place is part of your future. Taking the necessary steps beforehand ensures that everything is ready when the time comes.

When selecting a builder for your aging in place project, consider their understanding of the emotional impact such construction projects can have on homeowners. Asking numerous questions and following your instincts are crucial steps in finding the right fit.

Comfort and effective communication with your chosen builder are paramount. A good rapport will allow you to actively engage in the remodeling process, transforming it from a mere survival experience to an enjoyable journey of watching your vision come to life. Being well-prepared and having a trustworthy builder by your side will make the aging in place transition a smoother and more gratifying experience.

Aging in Place Home Remodeling Ideas

Granny Flats Aging in Place Elder Housing

As our parents enter their retirement years and age, specific needs may arise that require attention and care. While an assisted living facility might not be necessary, we still want to ensure their safety and well-being without compromising their cherished independence.

Aging in place offers a practical solution, allowing our loved ones to remain in the comfort of their homes while making necessary accessibility and comfort modifications. These modifications can range from simple additions, such as grab handles in bathrooms and lower cupboard handles, to more extensive changes like access ramps, wider doors, spacious showers, and lower countertops.

Considering the high costs associated with elder care, aging in place home remodeling emerges as a wise and sensible choice for most San Diegans. It not only ensures that our parents and aging loved ones receive the care they deserve but also enables us to make sound financial decisions within our limited resources. By investing in these thoughtful modifications, we create an environment where our loved ones can thrive, knowing they are safe, close to family, and able to retain their cherished sense of independence.

Add Small, Useful Features:

Consider convenience and accessibility when selecting new appliances like a washer and dryer that are front loading and lower to the ground. Adding fixtures such as adjustable shower heads, lever-style door handles making use easy on tired hands. Even small adjustments like lower light switches can make life just a little bit easier for those of limited reach.

Making Thoughtful Medium Sized Renovations:

  • Low profile front loading appliances
  • Widen doorways to 36 inches or more.
  • Add a wheelchair access ramp (outdoors or indoors as needed).
  • Remodel the kitchen with low cupboards, counter tops and shallow sinks.
  • And more!

What ever one personally deems required for safety, comfort and convenience and can be modified, installed or constructed.

Thinking Big Budget:

If you have the budget for a larger remodel, consider some of these common aging-in-place improvements:

  • Home elevator installation
  • Smooth Surface Flooring
  • Curb less Shower stalls
  • Multi-functional ground floor master suites

If you’re ready to go really big you could build a “granny flat” in the back yard. Truly the possibilities are endless and only limited perhaps by one’s budget. Luckily financing is available for larger home remodeling and new construction projects.

Plan Ahead

Planning ahead for your aging parents or loved ones, even if retirement is still far off, is a wise decision. When it comes to Grandma aging in place, having a well-thought-out game plan and implementing simple modifications before they become necessary can bring peace of mind.

In the process of selecting a home remodel contractor, it is crucial to ascertain whether they are well-versed in the specific needs of elder individuals. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, conduct thorough reviews and reference checks, and trust your instincts when making the hiring decision. The right contractor, with whom you share a good rapport, plays a vital role in ensuring that your remodeling process unfolds smoothly and meets your expectations – and within your desired timeline as well!

Universal Design Home Remodeling for Elders


Universal design means remodeling a home that is pleasing and the most usable for everyone. So that’s why universal design home remodeling is closely linked to aging-in-place remodeling. It offers a wide range of home modifications aimed at providing easy access to older individuals and people of all ages with disabilities.

Also known as “Barrier-Free” design, it particularly caters to those with physical limitations or other disabilities. However, the term extends beyond this specific context, as it embodies the concept of remodeling a home to be aesthetically pleasing and convenient for everyone, regardless of age, ability, or life circumstances.

The roots of universal design can be traced back to earlier concepts like barrier-free design, the easy access movement, and adaptive and assistive technology. It serves as a harmonious blend of contemporary aesthetics and the fundamental needs of accessibility. As life expectancy increases and advancements in modern medicine lead to higher survival rates for individuals with injuries, illnesses, and birth defects, there is a growing interest in this type of home remodeling.

Embracing universal design principles in aging-in-place remodeling ensures that homes become more inclusive and accommodating, promoting a sense of independence and dignity for all occupants. By seamlessly integrating functionality and style, universal design creates living spaces that are not only beautiful but also user-friendly for individuals of all ages and abilities.

The Principles of Universal Design

  • Easy to use
  • Flexibility in use
  • Simple and intuitive
  • Easy to understand
  • Low physical effort
  • Size and space for approach and use

Examples of Universal Design Construction Services offered by HK Construction:

  • Smooth, ground level entrances without stairs
  • Surfaces that are stable, firm, and slip resistant (especially in bathrooms and primary walkways)
  • Wide interior doors (3’0″), hallways, and alcoves with 60″ × 60″ turning space at doors and dead-ends
  • Extra floor space in whatever areas you need most
  • Easy access to whatever you need to reach or get into
  • Bright and appropriate lighting such as windows, skylights, inset cans, etc.
  • Clear lines of sight to reduce dependence on sound
  • Ramps for walker or easy wheelchair access
  • …and more!

HK Construction can help you renovate your home using universal design concepts because of our long experience in custom construction services. So just ask!

Free In Person Consultation and Price Quote

At HK Construction Inc., we are dedicated to providing you with the knowledge and tools you need to make informed decisions that will benefit your aging loved ones for years to come. Let us join you in creating a living space that fosters independence, comfort, and joy for your cherished elders as they embark on this new chapter of life.

The love we have for our families and the future of our country runs deep in our hearts. The ones we care for have been instrumental in nurturing our appreciation for life and liberty, instilling in us the values we hold dear. This is why we are committed to honoring and caring for them in the best possible way. The concept of aging in place holds significant importance to us, as it allows our loved ones to cherish the comfort and familiarity of their homes while receiving the care they deserve.

We understand the gravity of the responsibility and the strong emotions tied to taking care of our beloved family members. Just like you, we value the well-being of our loved ones immensely. It is a matter of great significance, and we wholeheartedly share your thoughts and feelings on this noble journey of caring for those who have cared for us. The commitment to aging in place and providing the best possible care is a testament to the deep bond and respect we hold for our loved ones, and it’s an endeavor we take to heart.

Call us today for a free on site quote. Do you have any questions? We have answers! HK Construction is always happy to answer any questions you have. Our desire is for you to find the best San Diego general contractor for your aging in place home remodel project.

CONTACT:

Call HK Construction to schedule your free in person aging in place consultation and home remodeling price quote. You’ll feel so happy that you did!

Company: HK Construction, Inc.
Owner: Marc Gieselmann
Location: Poway, CA.

Phone: (858) 748-6580
Email: hkc@cox.net

Service area: All of San Diego CA and surrounding cites and counties. See complete service areas list.

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HK Construction is a long time NARI member in good standing. So you know we are the real deal. Additionally we maintain an A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau. Because we believe your satisfaction as a customer it our top priority!

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