The American population is aging and the oldest citizens have daily living needs.
The number of Americans that are 65 years and older is around 61 million right now. That number will balloon to about 82 million by 2050, just 25 years from now. If you 
are on the lower end of that group, you’re likely thinking, “I don’t need to worry about that now,” or “My kids can take care that when the time comes.” Well, the staff at Mt. Tabor Builders doesn’t suggest you worry, BUT they do suggest you plan for that stage of life. It would be great if you lived a long healthy life and moved into eternity while having sweet dreams in your own bed. However, the chances of that happening without planning are quite slim.
Now for the good news; there are options regarding your home and being able to live in it for as long as possible. The building approach is known as “aging-in-place.”
What aging-in-place means from a building perspective
The aging-in-place approach means building a home, or doing a whole-house renovation, to accommodate physical issues that many people have later in life.
“We have seen such an influx of people who are asking us to design and build one-level homes that will allow for handicap accessibility,” says Mt. Tabor Builders, Inc. owner Willie Eby. “Many of these people have MS (Multiple Sclerosis), Parkinson’s or some other debilitating disease. We can help by pointing out some key things that will make living easier.”
Many of the design alterations are inspired by regular daily activities. This is viewed through the lens of the homeowner in the future. This viewpoint imagines the homeowner using a cane, walker or wheelchair. It also takes into account balance issues, especially when reaching up to get something from a shelf. The “standard” home has standard hallways, doorways, floors, cabinets, appliances, etc… These can be difficult to navigate for someone using the aforementioned devices, so the home’s design needs to be focused on space and access.
“There are so many different things out there today,” says Royce Eby, Mt. Tabor’s lead designer and building estimator. “Things like dishwashers and ovens that are made so the door swings open to the side, allowing access, especially from wheelchairs. This helps the person get right up to the appliance.”
Royce says the plan is to have a five-foot radius to accommodate a wheelchair. Other components of a well-equipped aging-in-place home could include:
- Motion sensor lights and faucets
- Level entry ways
- Ramps and sidewalks with a gentle grade
- Lever-style door handles
- Non-slip flooring
- Easy-to-reach appliances and storage areas
Building an in-law suite for your aging relatives
The cost of housing the aging population isn’t getting cheaper. Independent living places, with the transition option to assisted living as a person’s health 
declines, are a luxury not everyone wants or may be able to afford. Some families want to have aging relatives close by, helping them through the final stages of this earthly life.
An excellent option is the creation of an in-law suite. Basements, bonus rooms, garages, additions and guest houses can be re-imagined and finished off for parents or grandparents. This allows them to live close to loved ones, while having their private space. Most in-law suites consist of a bedroom, bathroom, living room and kitchen. A laundry area can even be just a stacked washer/dryer unit in a closet.
This project can be driven by the available budget and the amount of space needed. The best way to get a clear picture is to meet with a Mt. Tabor Builders representative.
Contact Mt. Tabor to discuss your building project
Click here to contact Mt. Tabor Builders to talk about building project. The Clear Spring, MD office can also be reached by calling 301-766-7161 or emailing info@mttaborbuilders.com. Mt. Tabor‘s building professionals can handle all home improvement, remodeling and custom home projects. They would enjoy meeting to talk about your aging-in-place or in-law suite needs.