Curbless showers are popular both because of their ability to provide a clean design and meet aging-in-place and Universal Design requirements. Without a step into the shower, there is no interruption in the floor tile,

These are not contradictory goals! Manufacturers in recent years have been aware of the need for safety features in the modern bath and have been designing and producing products to that add functionality and style.

What does that mean, and who says so? All the studies are showing that seniors are preferring to stay in their homes as long as possible, instead of moving to retirement homes. If you love your

There should be a bathroom on the main floor. A bathroom located where the senior spends most of their time means they can avoid using the stairs. Bathrooms should be large enough to accommodate someone

Why should you care? What is it? It’s not what homeowners looking to upgrade their homes usually think about – until they need it, that is. Other names for barrier-free are Universal Design, and Aging-in-Place.

Then you need, no you deserve, a bath remodel! Old fashioned bathrooms may have gigantic whirlpool tubs taking up space, paired up with cramped, dark showers. Studies have shown that most modern homeowners prefer larger

Age really has nothing to do with adding grab bars and designing your home to accommodate a wheelchair. The most active homeowner can break a leg skiing, or have some other accident. When remodeling your

  Bellingham is a popular city for active retirees, with our close proximity to sea and mountains. But what happens when physical challenges make it hard to get around the house? One popular solution is to

Open up the home; you don’t have to expand the footprint of your home to give it more of that “open” feel. Many are choosing to have a wall removed and having a more functional

Have grab bars installed, to reduce the risk of falls and assist your senior with mobility issues or balance problems. Typical locations are near the toilet, tub and shower. Note that in senior housing, railings

You just got a call to bring your loved one home from an assisted living facility. You panic, knowing they cannot get around your home as it is. What to do? We get calls like

If you have a great marble countertop on your new lav and a spectacular tiled shower, you still might be unhappy with your bath remodel if every time you try to turn off the faucet

Homeowners over the age of 55 make a large percentage of those having remodel work done on their homes. Many older homeowners wish to remain in their home rather than move out as they age. This

What is it? Universal design refers to a broad range of ideas meant to produce buildings, products and environments that are inherently accessible to older people, people without disabilities and people with disabilities. It is

ADA, Universal Design and Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) are all terms and designations describing design for accessibility for all. If you still think designing a bathroom for accessibility means a hospital-like bathroom, be

It isn’t just for seniors or those with physical challenges. Safety is important for all of us, and especially with the slippery surfaces in the bath. The good news is, you can get safety fixtures

As you probably are well aware, the baby boom generation is driving many purchasing trends, and as that generation is now at or near retirement, their effect on the housing and remodeling industry has been

Serious injuries from falling are an occupational hazard for many older persons. The National Institute for Health and the CDC say that more than one in three people age 65 or older will suffer from

Have you ever felt a little nervous stepping onto the wet shower floor? Sturdy and stylish assist bars are available to provide a greater level of safety for you and your guests. More companies are

Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies published a report this month titled “Housing America’s older adults – meeting the needs of an aging population”.  It is interesting from several viewpoints; one, confirming that in the next

In recent years households have been moving toward more flexible uses of space. This includes an open space layout, often with informal family space integrated into kitchen space. Informality in home layouts also has become

Where can you go to find qualified remodelers for barrier free kitchens and baths? Recommendations from friends are great, but if that is not an option for you, NAHB, the National Association of Home Builders,

Bathrooms are the most hazardous room in the house! Small spaces, wet floors and hard surfaces can make it dangerous for those with balance problems, low vision and just inaccessible to wheelchairs. Whatcom County attracts

Aging In Place is the ability to live in one’s own home safely, independently and comfortably regardless of age or ability. Most would rather remain in their own home, whether they may become disabled due

If you or a loved one is having a difficult time staying in their own home, but wishes to remain independent, what can you do? CAPS (Certified Aging in Place Specialist), and Universal Design were