Adapting your home for getting older in sink

Safety is key to creating an aging-in-place home environment, says Brett Metzmeier, a certified specialist and president of Metzmeier Building & Remodeling in Louisville, Ky., but you don't have to sacrifice style.

"It's so people can live safer in their home and be able to get around their homes. We're building and remodeling with more open plans, wider doorways, creating walk-in showers," Metzmeier says.

Linda and David Fuchs, a couple in their early 60s who live in Louisville, say they remodeled their kitchen and bathroom this year, working with Lora Nix, a certified professional at Southern Kitchens Ltd. Co.

"Everything I do, I think, 'Will this work when we get older?' " Linda Fuchs says.

"We improved accessibility to our kitchen and had our island put on wheels so we can move it around," she says. "We bought a French-door fridge with the freezer on the bottom for easier access. We also installed a higher vanity sink in the bathroom, which is age-friendly."

Many of the recommended changes, like the French-door fridge, could be changes you'd make anyway in a remodel. Here are more ideas from experts:


• Learn more. Start with the www.naipc.org, the National Aging in Place Council Web site, where you'll find recommended changes and resources for help.


• Check out Valley groups that can assist the elderly in staying in their homes. In the East Valley, the NAIPC recommends Ellen Granillo with the Assistance for Independent Living, 480-966-9704, ail executive@qwestoffice.net. The Arizona Department of Economic Security Division of Aging and Adult Services also offers several programs, 602-542-4446, www.azdes .gov and click "Aging and Adult."