Making Room for Parents

The emotional and financial advantages of opening your home to a parent can be great. You won't have to stress about whether they are taking proper care of themselves – you'll be able to see for yourself and help as needed. And if your mom or dad becomes frail or chronically ill, neither one of you will have to pay the $30,000 or so a year that the average assisted-living facility costs.

The preparation steps range from minor remodeling projects (such as installing handrails or brighter lighting) to major renovations (like building a separate apartment), with costs from a few hundred dollars to much more than a hundred thousand.

If done right, these changes can even help, or at least not harm, your home's value. And there's a bonus: You'll end up with a space that not only is comfortable for your mom or dad now but may also make it possible for you to continue living independently in your home as you age.

First, figure out what you'll need.  Then, decide how you'll pay for the renovation.  If the renovation costs seem shocking, bear in mind that there may be resources available to help you pay.  You may be able to use the proceeds from the sale of your parents' current home to finance a remodel.  Whatever you do, don't use the funds from your retirement stash.  Take care of your own finances first, so your kids won't be picking up the tab for you someday.

Put a premium on safety. Falls are the No. 1 cause of injury among the elderly, and most of them occur in the bathroom.  The best solution is to spend $50 to $300 to install grab bars in the bath and shower.  Check that the label says they meet the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines for safety.

Use adhesive safety strips on the bottom of the tub or shower floor instead of plastic mats, which can slide easily, and use nylon mats with nonskid backing on the floors.

Poorly lit hallways are another danger area, so spend $250 to have an electrician install a light at each end of any hallway that runs 15 feet or more. You'll also want to get rid of throw rugs and replace plush wall-to-wall carpeting, which can become a tripping hazard, with flat and tightly woven material.

Eliminate entryway barriers.  At the very least, you'll need to get rid of steps and curbs that can be especially troublesome in winter weather.  You'll pay $1,500 each to make doorways wide enough to fit a wheelchair or walker.  Look into installing doors with swing-clear hinges, which cost about $75 and can add an extra inch or two of space.

Consider the comfort factor.  Under-the-cabinet kitchen lighting is a godsend for aging eyes.  Custom jobs can run in the hundreds, but stick-on lamps that plug into an outlet sell for as little as $50.

You can install lever door handles, which are easier for arthritis-riddled hands to use than traditional doorknobs, for about $20 to $30 each.  In the end, knowing your parent is safe under your roof can be worth the extra cost and aggravation of revamping your home.

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