'Older' remodel allows seniors to live safely in style
Entering your golden years doesn't necessarily mean losing your independence. When Marc and Marlyn Spivak downsized from their large single-family home into a Lincolnshire condominium, the couple were determined to spend their retirement in the comfort of their new home for as long as possible.
Knowing the kitchen and bath needed serious updating, and planning for potential health issues in the future, they retained the services of Northbrook architect Michael Menn of Michael Menn Ltd. and kitchen and bath designer Nancy Jacobson of Kitchen Design Partners, also of Northbrook. Both Menn and Jacobson are Certified Aging in Place Specialists who are trained in designing safe and secure living spaces for older adults.
Menn and Jacobson had a three-month window of time to complete the remodeling of the condominium. In addition to the short time frame, the design team dealt with the numerous regulations involved when initiating construction in a multiunit dwelling.
"It's a challenge to complete a project within a condominium board's restrictions and to not disturb or inconvenience the building's residents, but we succeeded," Menn said.
Those challenges in a condominium setting included scheduling elevators and plumbing shut-offs, parking for contractor vehicles, keeping noise and dust to a minimum, removing debris and old appliances, and bringing in new building materials and products.
The original kitchen was completely gutted to the bare walls. The exhaust hood was also relocated, requiring the ceiling to be removed. With the ceiling exposed, new ducts for the range hood, energy-efficient can lighting with LED bulbs and a water line for the Electrolux stainless steel refrigerator's ice maker were installed.
After the walls and ceiling were buttoned up, they were covered with a fresh coat of paint. Cabinet manufacturer Holiday Kitchens provided the Thermofoil cabinetry that includes soft-close doors and drawers, and black Cambria maintenance-free quartz countertops were installed. Two wall-mounted ovens were added, as was a Bosch magnetic induction cooktop that features important safety technology to protect hands from being burned.
"We designed a special cabinet to store Marlyn's Kitchen Aid mixer and accessories, and a ledge shelf in front of the microwave that can be used to temporarily set hot items such as soup," said Jacobson. "The microwave was mounted low to make it easily accessible should the homeowners be confined to a wheelchair later in life.
"In fact, all of the traffic areas were widened for that reason," she said. "The peninsula was designed to overlook the wonderful views outdoors, and Marc can sit at the table next to the peninsula and be a part of the action in the kitchen."
Many safety and convenience features were also designed into the new master bath. Continuing with the black, white and gray color palette used throughout the condominium, the old tub deck and concrete floor were removed and a new zero-threshold, custom curbless shower stall was created.
A virtually invisible ramp gently rises upward and into the shower stall allowing easy access for a rolling walker or wheelchair. The floor tiles have a textured surface to help prevent slipping. A built-in bench inside the shower stall and a teak wood folding bench provide optional seated bathing, and a duplicate bench on the exterior of the stall offers seating space for dressing or undressing.
Other aging-in-place safety features include anti-scalding faucets and multiple grab bars. Recessed niches are for shampoo and soap storage. The vanity area features three sinks.
Again planning for the future, the center sink is mounted low and the pipes are enclosed, allowing easy and safe access using a wheelchair.
Stylish and bright LED light fixtures above the large mirrors, dual medicine cabinets and ample storage cabinets with wide handles round out the master bath's numerous safety and aesthetic features.
The Spivak's aren't the first baby boomer clients of Menn and Jacobson and there will be more. Every month, more than a quarter-million Americans turn 65 years old. More seniors are choosing to remain in their homes for as long as possible. This condominium is a sterling example of modern technology combined with expert design, resulting in two happy seniors enjoying this special time of their lives while living safely and securely in their own home.