LIVING
Certified Aging-in-Place
Specialist who has com-
pleted a program developed
by the National Association of
Home Builders with AARP
(go to http://www.nahb.org and
search for “CAPS Direc-
tory”). You can also find a
CAPS-certified contractor
through the National Associa-
tion of the Remodeling Industry
(www.nari.org; click on “I’m
a consumer” and find “uni-
versal design” under the
Homeowner Resources tab)
and the National Kitchen and
Bath Association (www.nkba1 Layout. Remodel a bathroom to create a 5-foot
turning radius to accommodate a wheelchair.
2 Sink vanity. Choose one with room to accom-
modate a chair or wheelchair ($560 to $1,500).
3 Curbless shower. Replace a tub or step-in
shower. Include a bench seat, a hand-held shower
that adjusts for height and a shower-control valve
near the entrance for better access ($10,000 to
$12,000). 4 Comfort-height toilet. Add a toilet
whose seat is higher off the floor than standard
models ($360 to $1,400, installed). A wall-mounted
toilet offers adjustable height—plus, because the
water tank is in the wall, it frees up floor space
($1,400 to $3,700). 5 Grab bars. Place near
the toilet and inside the shower ($90 to $440,
installed).LIVING
.org; click on “find a profes-
sional” and “service” and
specify “universal design”).
If you or a family member
has a progressive disease,
such as Parkinson’s, that
will worsen with time, ask
your physician to prescribe
a visit by an occupational
therapist, who can assess
your home with that prog-
nosis in mind. The therapist
can also work with your
remodeler to brainstorm
solutions. ■
CONTACT THE AUTHOR AT PESSWEIN@
KIPLINGER.COM.4513270 KIPLINGER’S PERSONAL FINANCE^ 05/2019