Wanting to stay in your own home instead of relocating to a retirement community or assisted living facility is a desire that many older adults share. Aging in place means older adults can continue enjoying the comfort of familiar surroundings and routines, partake in regular daily activities and stay connected with family, friends and neighbors.
To maintain independence for as long as possible and stay safe while living at home, you'll likely require some adjustments and accessibility modifications. Residential elevators can make it easier — and safer — for older adults to move through their multi-story home.
The Impact of Mobility Challenges
Mobility is the ability to walk easily and move around freely, which can be an important component in living a healthy, fulfilling life. As adults age, it's common to experience a decrease in mobility, from changes in gait to loss of balance and physical strength. In fact, around one-third of adults ages 70 to 80 experience restrictions with their mobility.
Limited or loss of mobility can make it challenging to live independently. It can be risky to have to go up and down staircases, especially in homes with multiple stories, and mobility problems can contribute to falls.
Along with the physical challenges, limited mobility can impact an older adult's social and emotional well-being. Experiencing an overall loss of independence and quality of life can lead to social isolation and negative emotions like frustration and sadness.
Planning ahead and addressing mobility challenges so that they will be simpler to manage when alone at home is one of the best things you can do to make aging in place easier.
Benefits of Residential Elevators
One of the best technology solutions for aging in place is a custom-built residential elevator. If you have a multi-story property, a home elevator can improve your overall accessibility and independence by making it possible to go up and down floors safely. With an elevator, you'll be improving your home's overall safety and security.
With custom designs from Residential Elevators, you can create a safe, stylish space. Installing a residential elevator can enhance convenience and comfort for yourself or older adults in your home while also complementing your current architecture and decor. We can create elevators that blend in seamlessly with styles ranging from farmhouse to beach, making it easier than ever to enjoy the comfort of home for longer.
Installing an elevator can also potentially increase your property's value if you plan to sell in the future, making it more appealing to homebuyers seeking an accessible and mobile-friendly space.
Considerations for Installing Residential Elevators
If you think a residential elevator is a worthwhile home modification for yourself or your aging parents, keep a few things in mind before you begin the design and installation process:
- Safety features and regulations: Every state has different code regulations, permit requirements and rules. Working with a company like Residential Elevators that adheres to local codes keeps you in compliance throughout the process.
- Cost and budget considerations: You can customize all kinds of features, ranging from the colors of the elevator's LED lights to the materials for legacy scissor gates or accordion gates. As most elevators are comparable to major home appliances, knowing the cost and having a budget ahead of time can be helpful.
- Maintenance and service needs: Once your elevator is installed, we recommend that it undergoes regular maintenance to ensure it stays operating as it should. This also helps catch potential issues early, avoiding more involved and costly repairs.
Ready to Develop a Senior-Friendly Home Design?
Whether you need a residential elevator now or want to take the first step in developing a senior-friendly home design to future-proof your space, Residential Elevators can help you reach your goals. For more than 30 years, our family-owned and operated company has been designing and installing high-quality, innovative solutions.
We take pride in serving as a full-service home elevator company that understands the importance of accessible home design when aging in place. No matter what kind of mobility challenge you're facing, we have the custom solutions needed to help you enjoy your home comfortably and safely. Whatever your size requirements, needs or personal style, count on us to meet your needs and preferences.
Start working with us today by giving us a call at 800.832.2004 or reaching out online.