Exterior doors should be brightly lit and with as few obstacles to entry as possible. Ideally, the door will be on level ground with a threshold that’s flush to the floor so you don’t have to step over it. If you require stairs, make sure there are secure railings on both sides.
If you’re replacing interior doors, use ones that are at least 36” wide to allow for walker or wheelchair access. Wide, unobstructed hallways should be brightly lit and free of carpet runners and other tripping hazards.
If you’re renovating a bathroom, have your contractor line the walls with plywood below the drywall. That way, if you need to install grab bars in the future, you’ll have secure surfaces to attach them wherever necessary. Luckily, they don’t have to look institutional anymore. Modern grab bars are available in a variety of shapes and finishes. Some incorporate things such as shower caddies or towel holders to blend in seamlessly with the décor.
Taller-than-standard toilets make it easier for arthritic bodies to sit down and get up from the commode. (A well-placed bathroom vanity can double as a means to boost oneself up.) A wall-mounted sink that’s open below allows for wheelchair access. And a standalone bidet or bidet seat attachment that you add to a regular toilet can help you maintain personal hygiene.
You can buy tubs with doors in the side so users can walk straight in, but those are fairly pricey. If access isn’t an immediate concern, install a curbless shower with a handheld nozzle. Consider building in bench seating. If not, you can install a shower seat later on if necessary.
Touchless faucets are hygienic and easy to operate. Motion-activated options are common but there are now also voice-operated models available. Cabinets and drawers should have U-shaped handles for easy opening. Look for appliances with controls at the front of the unit rather than the back for access. Finally, if you or a loved one requires a wheelchair, there are a number of mechanized counter and cabinet options that raise and lower with the push of a button.
Multiple levels of lighting are key for any home or cottage with overall ambient lighting to illuminate the room, task lighting such as under-cabinet puck lights to make it easy to see when chopping chop, and accent lighting to highlight artwork or other features. LEDs are cheap to operate and available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, making it easy to add ample task lighting.
Adding smart home technology not only allows you to control your HVAC system remotely or call up your favourite playlist while you’re prepping dinner, it can also be hugely beneficial for independent living. Voice-activated lights, for example, allow you to illuminate a room before you enter it. There are also fall detection systems that notify emergency responders if they detect a fall and you don’t respond promptly, or you can audibly ask your system to call family, neighbours, or emergency services if you need assistance.
As we get older, various ailments can limit our ability to enjoy the cottage. If you’re planning renovations now, there are a number of relatively affordable, unobtrusive steps you can take that will make it easier to spend your golden years at your lakeside retreat.
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