Aging in Place Remodeling - Your Complete Guide to Creating Safe, Accessible Homes

We all know the saying “Let’s face it, we’re not getting any younger.” and we use it in various aspects of our life. When you forget why you went into another room, have trouble getting up off the floor playing with the grandkids, or when you think you can still tackle those pesky home improvement projects like painting and end up feeling sore in places that you didn’t know existed (Tip: Hire an experienced contractor, then sit back and relax!), you’re reminded how you aren’t as young as you used to be. Today mid aged and older Americans are more active than ever; however, we all still have to be mindful of things in our everyday life. One being the environment in our home. As you age, you would like to think that you can remain in your home with your independence. Care facilities are at a high right now in terms of affordability and you’d rather be comfortable in your own surroundings anyway. There is always the daunting option of moving in with the kids should it ever come to that, but maybe you have started hearing about this term “Aging in Place” that has been gaining attention over the last decade.

What is Aging in Place?

“The ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.”

… is what the U.S Centers for Disease and Prevention define Aging in Place as. It’s not only about accommodating all household members, but also accommodating those members over time throughout the stages of their life in a safe manner.

With the fact that homeowners are staying more active in their lifestyle, they are also healthier and in turn living longer. As we age, the likelihood and risk of health mishaps, falls and limited mobility situations do increase. The risk of falling is greater for women than for men, not to mention that it’s said that two-thirds of those that fall will suffer another fall or related hazard within the following 6 months’ time. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), six out of ten falls happen at home. This is where aging in place comes in. People are choosing to stay in their homes longer, yet homes and communities across the U.S. were not built to be flexible to our changing needs. American adults typically change careers many times, and often move around the country to accommodate new jobs and promotions, but as retirement approaches we want to put down roots. Purchasing a home that will be our residence for the rest of our lives becomes very desirable at that point. There are steps that we can take to modify our surroundings making it easier and safer to live —and it’s wise to work with a Phoenix remodeling contractor who will help you remodel with future, as well as current, needs in mind.

How Aging in Place Will Apply To You

Our current housing market does not properly address the needs of aging homeowners in all communities. Unfortunately, it’s the case. Whether a newer built home or one built years ago, there should be design aspects incorporated that support your active lifestyle now and are adaptable when needed to ensure your safety and independence. Although not just important at home, these modifications that we’ll be covering in this guide are also just as applicable and important in a public setting as well. Just because you are aging does not mean that you’re staying home in isolation. Restaurants, retail outlets, workplace settings, hospitality and every other interior environment should also be well designed and supportive all of everyone’s needs. We don’t’ want to think of ourselves as aging, but we all go through it. As we all age there are changes that are likely to happen and it’s important to consider the impact these changes will have on our lives. Some changes that you may experience are:

• A reduction in vision
• A decrease in endurance or muscle strength
• Reduced hearing capability
• An increased risk of falling due to instability
• Changes in mobility
• Fluctuation in mental (processing) competences
• Higher chance of illness

Recognizing that these could be likelihoods in your future and choosing to have a plan in place provides you greater control over your freedom to remain in your home as long as possible.

Safety Is a Primary Consideration as We Age

Toddlers fall all day long, and practically bounce, but by the time we hit mid-life, our bones and joints are no longer so forgiving. And in late life, a simple fall can be life-threatening, so when we look at aging in place, we think ahead to ways to help the resident stay securely on their feet. Handrails needn’t look like hospital fixtures—in fact, they can be designed to fit into any décor and blend right in with the room.

Stairs are a tremendous challenge for aging homeowners, so if remodeling can extend outward rather than upward or downward, it will be much more practical. Moving the basement laundry-room to the main floor and similar changes that get all the essentials on the ground level of the house will pay off greatly over the long term.

The Meaning of Convenience Changes

With kids at home, and lots of miscellaneous lunchboxes and snack kits to store, those tall cabinets with the extra storage up high may be perfect, but aging homeowners aren’t as likely to be able to hop up on a step-stool to reach them. Kitchen remodeling that features easily reachable cabinets and drawers will be a valuable feature that you will appreciate more and more over time. Hands become less dexterous, so including handles that are easily grasped will be much more useful than tiny ones.

Durability Is an Important Part of Planning a Permanent Residence

A visit to the kitchen and bath departments at your local home store will provide a lot of fresh looks, but when planning an upgrade that will keep you in your home, we decidedly prioritize durability over the latest design trends. Often, mass-produced pieces are not built to last; we want you to be happy with your remodeled home for a long time, so good quality should be right up there with good looks in making final decisions.

The Top Aging In Place Designs

What is Universal Design?

When referring to the design elements and principles used in an aging in place remodel, you’ll notice that we frequently use the term Universal Design. As defined by the Disabilities Act 2005, Universal Design is

1. “The design and composition of an environment so that it can be accessed, understood and used

1. 1. To the greatest possible extent
   2. In the most independent and natural manner possible
   3. In the widest possible range of situations
   4. Without the need for adaptation, modification, assistive devices or specialized solutions, by any person of any age or size or having particular physical, sensory, mental health or intellectual ability or disability, and

2. Means, in relation to electronic systems, any electronics-based process of creating products, services or systems so that they may be used by any person.”

It is specialized design solutions that are used in the most unique and extreme usability issues within an environment. The Arizona housing market encompasses many retirement and active adult communities, so being expertly trained in this specialized design skillset is something that we feel is imperative to the success of your aging in place remodel. For this reason, we are proud to say that we employ Nationally accredited Universal Design Certified Professionals (UDCP). This accredited program addresses all concepts of Universal Design, assessing client needs, design application and construction techniques, electrical and plumbing systems and more, developing these core competencies.

What Design Aspects Support Aging in Place?

Life changes typically prompt these types of modifications or renovations to one’s home. At the point where something in your, your spouses or parents’ life has changed, in many instances a remodeling project is an added stress that you may not want to endure at that moment. For this reason, we recommend making minor changes before they are truly needed. Studies have shown that up to 1 in 4 homeowners is planning to renovate their home to accommodate the physical needs of someone in their home or in anticipation of future needs. Making the decision to age in place before really necessary means that you are being proactive in deciding how you’ll spend your elder years and how you want your home to be set up to best accommodate you through any type of situation.

Some common design features to consider in your forward planning are:

• A dedicated bedroom on the lower level of the home. This is beneficial in such cases as temporary mobility limitation following falls, surgeries, injuries or for aging parents moving in. Stairs represent a major tripping hazard per the National Institute on Aging. Slick flooring should not be used on stairs. Non-skid treads can be added to steps to reduce the dangers of slipping. For homeowners undergoing a full home renovation, a lift chair or home elevator are safer options to consider if funds are available. If you choose to add an elevator, there are a few important details to you’ll want to include: a phone line in the elevator if assistance is ever needed, sensors that will alert you of obstructions in the elevator shaft and an emergency feature/plan for manually operating the elevator if power is lost or any mishaps occur.
• Flooring plays a key role as well. Walkers and wheelchairs have more difficulty rolling on carpet than other flooring options. Transition areas from one type of flooring material to another can become difficult to roll over or even be a tripping hazard if not at the same height. The use of rugs on a slick floor, while decorative, can also be a tripping hazard and simply not worth the risk of falling. Should you need to utilize rug(s)s be sure to get ones with rubberized undersides to prevent slipping.
• Widened doorways and hallways to accommodate all members of the household with any type of mobility help whether it be a stroller, walker, wheelchair or other type of transportation aide. Yes, a stroller! Aging in place design practices are applicable for all ages and needs. Changes in memory can affect your or your loved ones’ sense of orientation, so you’ll want to add prompts to direct attention.
• Grab bars in and near such areas as the bathtub, shower, toilet, and closet or storage areas. Any area that one might need extra stability or help pulling up or standing. By adding a grab bar near higher shelving and along steps or stairs, it allows you to steady your weight. This assistance helps reduce the risk of falls.
• Higher seating with stable arms. Getting up and down from a lower height seat can be a bit tricky at times without enough strength and balance. Changes in strength as we age can affect reach, mobility and agility. Keep in mind that this also holds true when using the restroom facilities. Ask your general contractor about a comfort height toilet for your home before you start your home renovation.
• Something as simple as a built-in shower seat can be a benefit to your entire family. Many people are not able to stand for periods of time or unstable on their feet, while others enjoy the convenient resting area after a long day’s work. Whether a necessity today or not, it’s recommended that you work with your general contractor to include in your shower design to meet your needs now and in the future. While you are in the planning stages, be sure to let them know if you prefer your shower controls on the left or the right. Little design features like this can allow you to maintain your independence longer.
• Having the proper lighting is an important part of any home and even more so for those that have vision troubles. Changes in vision will require additional quality and quantity of lighting in your home. Start by adding nightlights to hallways, bathrooms and kitchens to make night time trips around safer. Increase wattage in overhead and task lights. Switch out any standard light bulbs with LED bulbs throughout the home. If you are concerned with outdoor areas, consider having motion sensing floodlights installed to illuminate porch and yard areas. Another area to pay special attention to for added lighting is along a staircase and in the stairwell if living in a two-story home. On this topic, light switches should be easy to reach and positioned at the entry of each room and hallway.
• Upgrading door hardware from knobs to levers and pulls is recommended. Those with progressing arthritis can grasp them better. Same goes for cabinet pulls, appliance knobs and plumbing fixtures.
• Properly working smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire alarms and sprinklers on each floor of the home. It’s also recommended that you purchase a fire extinguisher and locate it near the kitchen or garage where fire hazards occur. Check to make sure that windows and doors operate easily. Should the unthinkable happen, it’s best to be alarmed and prepared.
• Reducing scalding dangers in the kitchen with a kitchen remodel. By merely creating a layout where the microwave is no longer located over the stove it alleviates a major risk within your kitchen. Reaching over a hot stove to pull heavy contents out of the microwave above is never a good idea for those with upper body strength, much less diminishing strength. Instead, microwave drawers are a wonderful upgrade from the standard ones, as they can be installed within an island or base cabinet for convenient operation and in closer proximity for hot items to be moved onto a countertop with minimal difficulty. Ask your contractor about incorporating smart stoves with auto shut-off burn valves to help reduce the risk of fire should they be forgotten or accidentally turned on. Work with your designer to locate these necessities comfortably within reach from a standing or sitting position. Appliances these days can be purchased with more accessible options like lower heights, alternative door options and controls on the front for easier and safer operation within reach. Don’t forget to plan for wider walkways through the kitchen that can accommodate a wheelchair or walker, in addition to multiple cooks that assist with daily food prep.

Aging In Place Remodeling Tips For Kitchens

Here in the Peoria and greater Phoenix areas, there is an increasing interest in aging in place—staying in your own home instead of moving to assisted living as you age. Universal design principles, which were originally developed to make homes livable for those with disabilities, have resulted in changes to the way we approach home remodeling. Instead of waiting until there is a problem, then installing a handrail and hoping for the best, we can now include design elements that both anticipate the future needs of the homeowner and fit beautifully with the look of the home.

Universal design applies throughout the home, but is particularly important in the kitchen and bathroom, where most of a person’s home activity takes place. These two rooms being safe and functional are the keys to successful aging in place. Here are some of our favorite upgrades to include in kitchen remodeling that result in a beautiful home that supports aging in place.

• The Kitchen Must Be on the First Floor

  Fortunately, most homes already have the kitchen on the first floor, because for aging in place easy access to the kitchen is important. Most of your shopping will be for groceries and you must be able to easily get them into the kitchen.

• Appliances for Safety and Accessibility

  Most major appliance manufacturers are offering models that comply with the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). They are safer to use and have a streamlined modern look.

  Induction cooktops are the best for aging in place because they put the heat right in the pan rather than heating the surface of the stove, so there isn’t a red-hot burner, or even one that remains hot after the pan is removed. Stoves with the controls on the front panel, or smooth touch buttons on the front of the top surface are much better than controls on the back of the cooktop because they are easy to reach, even for someone in a wheelchair.

  Your remodeling contractor can install a cutoff timer as a fire protection measure. You can set how long the stove can be on, and should you forget about it or fall asleep, the device will turn off the burner after the designated time.

  Clearly displayed labels are also important. There is a minimalist trend in electronics, with each button having several functions, and nothing being written on the device. This is contrary to universal design, so for aging in place, you want on and off, and high and low indicators to be clearly and easily seen.

  When planning kitchen remodeling for aging in place, you can also have the controls for the stove hood placed on the front of the cabinet or on the backsplash, where they are more easily reached than if they are overhead. One last cooking tip—make sure the microwave is at or below counter height. The over-the-stove location was popular for a while, but now larger hoods are in style and offer better light and ventilation. The microwave should be lower to prevent the chance of spilled hot liquids falling down onto you, and it can be difficult to lift heavy plates overhead.

  For washing dishes, ease of access is important, and a shallow sink is easier to work with. The height of the sink is important too, and you can have one with an adjustable height installed for short or wheelchair-bound users. A roll-under sink will allow a wheelchair to get up close, so is also recommended. For added safety, have your remodeling contractor install an anti-scald device.

  The dishwasher should be close to the sink, either beside it or across from it, and its height can be raised to make it easier to load and unload. Likewise, the sink should be close to the stove because pots of water are quite heavy and often needed.

• No More Unreachable Cabinet Space

  With all the kitchen gadgets and small appliances we have today, keeping the kitchen uncluttered requires putting storage to its best use. Universal design has created cabinet organizers that make it easier to access contents, but also make it possible to utilize corner and high cabinets that would otherwise be wasted.

  The cabinets, and especially the countertops, should have rounded corners and edges to prevent bumps and bruises, but it also helps to create a softer look. D-shaped handles and drawer pulls are much better than knobs for aging or arthritic hands, and are less likely to catch on clothing than knobs, while they also contribute to the lines of the kitchen design.

  Pullout cabinets make it easy to see everything on each shelf and can also be very helpful for storing small appliances, like blenders and slow cookers, which can be heavy enough that it’s almost impossible to wrestle them out of lower cabinets or lift them overhead for storage above.

  For decades, corner cabinets have been at best wasted space, and in the worst case, black holes where things disappear and are never seen again (until moving day, anyway). We have several solutions for that problem. On the bottom, a lazy Susan that swings out, or a corner unit slide out will let you use that storage space efficiently, and retrieve items with ease. The slide out has cabinet faces on both sides and appears to be just another cabinet from the outside, and the lazy Susan attaches to a regular cabinet door. For the upper corner cabinets, a pull down shelf unit is available. It will also look just like another cabinet on both sides of the corner.

  Lower cabinets are often difficult to use because seeing what is in them requires kneeling or squatting. Lifting objects from that position and standing back up presents another challenge.

  Our solution for aging in place is two-part. First, opt for deep, wide drawers rather than cabinets. By sliding out a drawer, you can see the entire contents without having to kneel down. The second part of the plan is to use drawer accessories that keep the dishes or other drawer contents in order. You can stand plates in a rack and never have to deal with a tall stack, and pots and pans can be kept together with their lids in a way that makes them easy to reach.

• Open Space and Flooring for Safe Mobility

  ADA guidelines for wheelchair access require a 60-inch wide clearance between the cabinets in a 3-sided, or U-shaped, kitchen. For a galley, or pass through, you should plan for a minimum of 40 inches. This also makes it easy for more than one person to be in the kitchen at a time.

  It’s also important to plan for slip resistant flooring. This is accomplished simply by installing material that has enough texture that it will not become slick if it gets wet from a spill or water being tracked in from outdoors. We have appropriate tile and vinyl options to match any decor.

• Universal Design and Your Kitchen Island

  Custom cabinetry in the island can house deep drawers rather than cabinet space that may be difficult to utilize for anyone with mobility limitations. This allows easier access to the back of the space and requires less bending or squatting to make use of it. The overall height of the island should be lower than traditional countertops to make it accessible from a wheelchair, but a two height design is a useful option to discussion with your general contractor. Instead of having the entire island at one height, you can have a low section that is easy to work on, while the rest is at a standard level fitting the needs of all members in your household.

Aging In Place Remodeling Tips For Bathrooms

Do you hope to stay in your own home instead of moving to assisted living later in life? Most people we know here in Phoenix do, and that’s why TWD’s staff includes certified universal design experts who can plan your home remodeling to support aging in place. Bathroom remodeling is one of the most important aspects of planning your future in your home and we have great news about that!

Your home can be a showpiece of modern design while still incorporating universal design elements that make it safe and convenient for you as the years go by. The bathroom is especially important for aging in place because it can be a hazardous space for older people, with tub sides to climb over and maneuverability concerns. Fortunately, it no longer needs to be. Even if you don’t have any special needs now, if you are planning bathroom remodeling, it’s a good idea to plan ahead so your home is ready should the need arise. It’s also a relief as a host to know that guests in your home can safely use the facilities.

• The Look of a Spa and Ease of Use

  Instead of having a ledge to step over, curbless showers blend seamlessly with the floor of the room. This eliminates a barrier and trip hazard, while giving the bathroom a more open floorplan and larger overall appearance. The gently sloping floor keeps the water in the shower, so you needn’t worry about flooding. Another spa-like aspect of a universal design shower is that it is large enough to allow a wheelchair in it, so it feels very spacious.

  For those who feel a need to soak in the tub, there are walk-in tubs; though having to enter the tub before filling it and sit through the filling stage, and then remain in it while it drains puts some people off. If that doesn’t sound like something you would have the patience for, we recommend a seat in the shower so you can enjoy relaxing in the water without the need to get in and out of a tub. Bench seating can be made from the same material that lines the shower, and blend in as part of the design, or a fold-down seat can be attached to the wall so it is always available, but instantly out of the way for other users.

  There are several different designs for handrails in the shower and none of them look like anything you’d find in a hospital. There are even handrails that are deep enough to include a shelf for your soaps and shampoos in the shower, making them look like a high-end accessory that is useful as well. If you don’t want to put up handrails yet, during your bathroom remodeling, we can install the bracing behind the new tiles or other shower enclosure, so that installation will be simple in the future if you decide you need them.

• Accessible Storage

  In order to keep everything you need in the bathroom without creating clutter, you need storage. Open shelving is easy to use, but if you want cabinets with doors, opting for D-shaped handles or push-open doors and drawers will make them much easier to use.

• Bathroom Remodeling Is a Good Opportunity for Opening Up Space

  Older bathrooms tend to be smaller, so it may be feasible to expand the bathroom’s footprint. For aging in place, you need to have room to maneuver with a walker, and should also be able to accommodate a wheelchair. This may require opening up the space in the center of the room, and widening the doorway. The recommended width of a doorway is 36 inches to provide easy access, and taking care of that while you are already doing a home remodeling project is worth the effort and saves you from having to deal with it as a separate project in the future.

• Wall-Mounted Sinks Are Open Underneath

  Having the sinks mounted to the wall instead of in the top of a cabinet can create either a very modern or old-fashioned look, so they can fit with any décor. You sacrifice a bit of storage room, but having the open space below the sink allows users to be seated, whether in a wheelchair, or just a regular chair for someone who can’t stand for longer periods of time. An additional benefit of the wall-mounted sink is that it doesn’t have the bulk of cabinets, so even though you lose storage space, you get the tradeoff of more open space and cleaner visual lines.

  Another universal design tip for the sink is to choose a faucet design with a lever instead of knobs, which are much harder to manage. A full-length wall mirror is recommended behind the sink instead of a smaller, higher one to make it easier to use when seated.

• Taller Toilets Are Easier to Access

  It can be difficult to stay stable when switching from standing to sitting and vice versa, but a taller toilet makes it easier. The increase in height keeps the user closer to a standing position, so getting on and off requires less muscle usage. The difference isn’t huge, so an ADA-compliant toilet with a height of 16 to 17 inches is really only two or three inches taller than the average toilet, so it won’t look out of place in your new bathroom.

  It may seem like a small design detail, but if the position of your toilet paper holder requires leaning or twisting to reach it, then asking your remodeling contractor to change its location will be a minor task with big returns in how much more comfortable it makes your bathroom.

• Slip Proof Floors Are Required for Bathroom Safety

  It doesn’t take much water on a slick floor to create a hazard, but on the other hand, installing a floor with enough texture to avoid getting slippery is an easy fix. You can do this with tile or linoleum, and can get any color or style you want, so again, designing for safe aging in place doesn’t need to detract from the beauty of your home remodeling.

• A Little Lighting Goes a Long Way

  One final thought on making your bathroom more livable for longer is to consider the lighting when you plan your remodel. Wall sconces on the sides of the mirror rather than having lights across top help to reduce glare and shadows. LED lighting options provide more light, making it easier to see.

  An exposed bulb seen from below its shade is too bright and causes eye fatigue, so it is important to remember that lights on the wall need to be lower if a wheelchair user will be in the room.

  By making your home accessible it not only benefits you and your family as you progressively age, but those that suffer any temporary or long-term disabilities, as well as visitors of your home. Your Aunt Dolores in her wheelchair would then be able to attend family gatherings at your home and feel comfortable being there. The last thing that you’d want is a family member coming over and not being able to use the restroom because of it not being accessible.

Top 10 Questions Asked About Aging in Place Remodeling

1. Why do I need to start thinking about Aging in Place now? I’m not to that age yet.

   Don’t focus on the term “aging”. It’s more about forward thinking and incorporating design features that make your home more flexible to all of your life stages. You never know when something could happen that changes your current needs or the needs of a member of your family. Whether your mobility is restricted permanently or just for the time being, it’s better to be prepared before its truly needed. Not to mention, the design principles of Universal Design apply just as much to growing families, as those that are planning to age in their current homes.

2. What are a few quick DIY weekend projects I can do for aging in place?

   Swap out doorknobs to be lever-style handles, change out cabinet knobs for handles, and remove throw rugs and door mats that are a tripping hazard.

3. Does it cost more to incorporate Universal Design into my remodel?

   Not necessarily. It’s more of the way you design a space with forward thinking in mind. For example, instead of including standard towel bars, your general contractor will suggest bars that can sustain more weight and can double as a grab bar or rather than incorporating your microwave into the cabinets over the stovetop, your designer integrates it into another area of the cabinetry near the stove.

4. Can I afford to age in place?

   No matter if you have successfully paid off your mortgage or not, in most instances it is more cost effective and comfortable to age in place. According to research conducted annually by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services the national average cost for a nursing home can cost anywhere from $45,000-$95,000 a year in Phoenix depending on the level of care, supervision and privacy! Those costs are anticipated to rise more than 10% over the next few years and continue to increase. Maybe the question should be, can you afford not to age in place?

5. What does an Aging in Place Remodel cost?

   This is a great question and depends on the level of design features that you would like to incorporate, the rooms of your home that are being considered (a bathroom versus a full home) and the current condition of your home in the features that it does possess. It’s best to contact your local Phoenix aging in place remodeling expert to discuss your needs and your budget.

6. I’m looking to purchase a home to age in place in, what features should I look for?

   A home that has a bedroom, full bathroom and kitchen quarters on the main level of the home is ideal. At least one step-free entrance to the home, widened interior doorways, properly lit hallways and an easily accessible shower with a spacious radius around the toilet area are just a few key things to look for. Keep in mind that an experienced aging in place general contractor can assist you with home modifications to enable you to age in place.

7. Should I incorporate assistive technology into my Aging in Place remodel?

   Your aging in place general contractor may suggest incorporating some minor user-friendly technology into your home design such as touchless faucets, soap dispensers and toilets. Motion sensor lighting guarantees walkways and areas of your home are safely lit upon your entrance and provide energy savings. Adding phone lines or medical alert systems within reach to areas of the home that are prone to falls are worth considering during your remodel as well.

8. Will Aging in Place remodeling increase my home value?

   Universal Design principles will make your home accessible to people of any age and ability, thus increasing its usability and value. If increasing your property value is your primary motivation for your Aging in Place remodel, it is recommended that you speak to your local realtor that specializes in accessible homes or in retirement communities about other homes in your area with these key features and their market value for comparison.

9. Will Aging in Place modifications give my home a “hospital” look?

   Not at all! Designers and manufacturers alike have become very sensitive to this worry that homeowners have. Products on the market like grab bars and accessible tubs or showers are now designed to have a higher end luxury feel that blend in to the style of your home enhancing the appearance and value, not taking away from it.

10. Where can I learn more about Aging in Place?

    The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and AARP both are very helpful resources on the general topic. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) holds the Universal Design accreditation program and can be a useful homeowner resource tool as well. Todd Whittaker Drywall Inc., or better known as TWD, is your local Phoenix aging in place expert for your remodeling needs.

Are You Ready To Remodel?

Remodeling for aging in place can be specifically designed around you and your needs, so we hope that this information has got you thinking. No one ever labeled it as a “one-size-fits-all” design approach. Instead it is a more of a collaborative process in reaching the optimal result. Remember to involve other members of your household, as well as any nurses, caretakers, doctors, therapists or others that play a crucial role in defining your current and future limitations during the design and planning phase of your project. Their input can be just as valuable in determining the appropriate solutions for your particular needs. A spouse or caretaker is a good resource for learning your daily routine and any current or foreseeable issues since they will have a difference view point than you might. Doctors and therapists can provide detailed information in regards to the progression and prognosis for future difficulties that could arise, as well as design aspects that will make that evolution easier and safer for remaining within your home.

If your intent is like so many other Americans, to age in place and live safely in your current home for years to come, then your next step is to connect with a general contractor who is experienced and trained in this design mindset. The Phoenix market has a slew of contractors to choose from, but when it comes to aging in place, only one stands out.

It’s Time To Call The Aging In Place Experts!

Todd Whittaker Drywall Inc., or better known as TWD. The on-staff designers at TWD have gone through extensive classes and continuing education focused around universal design practices for aging in place. We are one of the few companies that employ nationally accredited Universal Design Certified Professionals (UDCP). That’s not the only thing that has set TWD apart though.

• On-site Design Showroom
• On-staff Professional Designers
• In-house Construction Crews
• Trusted for Over 20 Years in Business
• Ranked in the Top 100 Full-Service Remodelers list in the Nation and #1 in Arizona over consecutive years by Remodeling Magazine.

We have been recognized for our exceptional level of customer service by various top named referral sites, industry associations and home builders making us one of the leading full-service general contractors in the Metro Phoenix area.

You can find TWD on all major referral sites or can save time by visiting our website directly at
https://www.TWDAZ.com for a full list of services we offer, photo galleries of real remodeling projects that we have recently completed, and a Trends With Design idea board for other remodeling project inspiration. While on the website, click to request your free consultation to see what we can do for you. A member of our team will contact you to schedule an appointment that is convenient for you, either in your home or in our Design Showroom, where you can explore the various aspects of a home remodel and material choices. You’ll quickly see that we operate a little different than other remodeling companies. Our staff cares and will take the time to get to know you and your remodeling needs. Experience the TWD difference today because it’s never too early to start planning for your future.