Expert home-remodel tips help baby boomers live in comfort

by | Mar 3, 2011 | 3, 4, 5, 8, Articles

<h2 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt"><font size="3" color="#990000">Expert home-remodel tips help baby boomers live in comfort</font></h2><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt">(ARA) – There are 78.2 million baby boomers according to the U.S. Census Bureau. If you are one of them, born between 1946 and 1964, you might soon look at your house with a new perspective.</span></p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt"><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">’The bones begin to creek a little more as you age — things that don’t happen when you are younger,’ says Morris Carey, one of the Carey Bros., nationally recognized experts on home building and renovation. As a baby boomer himself, he knows the changes this generation faces.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Their nationally syndicated radio show, "On The House," has partnered with Premier Bathrooms, a company that specializes in walk-in bathtubs, disabled bathrooms and assisted bathing products, to help educate people on how to make sure their home is safe and secure so they can maintain their independence as long as possible.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">"When looking at the safety of a home, the bathroom is top of mind, especially for baby boomers" says Iain Whyte, CEO of Premier Care In Bathing. "It’s a highly-used area where many accidents can occur. Start with this room when considering safety."</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Here are some easy tips from Premier Bathrooms and the Carey Bros. for creating a safe and secure house for aging adults:</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>1. Safer flooring</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Hard floors like linoleum, hardwood and concrete become a hazard for slipping and injury as we age. Many people choose to install carpet because it does not lift and move, reducing the chance of tripping. Plus it is warmer on feet and softer if there is a fall. If you do choose to keep your hard floors, make sure they are free of clutter and clean up any wet areas right away. In bathrooms, use a non-slip flooring option and rugs that have a sticky backing. </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/3c.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/3c.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>2. Walk-in tubs</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Walk-in tubs like the ones from Premier Bathrooms are great for seniors that want to take baths but don’t want to climb over a big ledge and risk slipping and falling. The walk-in door is the main reason people choose these types of tubs, but the benefits don’t stop there. With a contoured seat and hydrotherapy system, walk-in tubs are a must for someone who wants to remain independent in their home and stay healthy. Different models are available with unique features like temperature control and automatic seat lifts so you can find one that is right for you. </p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>3. Higher toilet</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">They are called handicapped toilets, senior toilets and tall toilets, but whatever the name they are a great idea for aging people. These types of toilets sit higher off the floor so that the user doesn’t have to bend their knees as much to get up and down. Ease of use becomes key as we age.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>4. Wider doorways</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Whether we like it or not, most baby boomers will eventually use a walker, cane or wheel chair. Door openings are rather small, especially in older houses. Wider doorways make walking around the home easy, no matter what your life situation. Plus it’s great when the grandkids come over in a stroller.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/3a.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/3a.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>5. Good lighting</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Low lighting can be disastrous for aging adults whose vision isn’t as good as it used to be. It’s important to have well-lit rooms and walkways so that it’s easy to get around all areas of the house. Make sure you are using lights that are easy to reach and use so that you can walk around in confidence.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">"These steps are a great start to help people live comfortably in their home," says Carey. And Whyte agrees, "Life changes mean changes to our homes too. Living your golden years in a safe and secure house is very important for both health and comfort."</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">For more information visit <a href="http://www.premier-bathrooms.com" target="_blank">www.premier-bathrooms.com</a> , call (800) 578-2899 or <a href="http://www.onthehouse.com" target="_blank">www.onthehouse.com</a> .</p>  <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt">Courtesy of ARAcontent</span></p></span>