Most folks hope to be able to remain in their homes as long as possible and today’s modern houses are often constructed to facilitate aging in place. Features include wider doorways designed to accommodate wheelchairs, lower countertops, medicine and vanity cabinets, walk-in showers and bathrooms outfitted with plenty of grab bars; door knobs are replaced with lever handles and ramps replace steps. For many a new home is neither desirable nor a real option so it’s best to make home décor improvements today with the future in mind.

With proper planning one can age in place or at least stay in the home they know and love for as long as possible. The bathroom is a great place to begin and many improvements can be enjoyed by all ages. Consider installing a handheld showerhead – popularized in Europe, these handy devices make it easy to shampoo hair, bathe a dog or even water plants; later on they are useful for bathing specific body parts and make it easier to bathe or shower while seated. A shower stool or bath seat is another item which is extremely useful for folks of all ages.

Bedding can be simplified by replacing a conventional bedspread with a comforter or quilt. It’s much easier to make up the bed this way; down-filled comforters with duvet sets are another useful option as the breathable down is warm in the winter and cool in the summer which results in the need for less seasonal bedding changes. A good quality mattress topper or pad can help to alleviate pressure points, provide needed joint support and offer a better night’s sleep.