Age in Place
a time of life when independence and freedom are more important than ever. For Breslaw, it’s about making sure clients can maintain the quality of life they’re used to. “One of the things that’s different that we try to do with renovations, which is much easier when building new, is to try to create spaces that are accessible. The trick is to try to make them not look clinical. There are really neat grab bars for the bathroom that don’t look like they came out of hospitals. There are integrated towel bars that don’t look like an ugly bar attached to the toilet,” says Breslaw, whose team also works closely with occupational therapists to make adjustments in the home when a resident is in hospital. “In designing a kitchen, there’s a
accessible. We try to do things in a way that makes the home esthetically pleasing.” Renovations for aging in place can include widening doorways, hall- ways and shower entrances, installing a ramp for the stairway or even putting in an elevator. Breslaw says renovations should involve thinking ahead and tak- ing proactive measures. “When putting up new drywall in a bathroom that we are renovating, it’s our standard practice to put in wood backing behind the drywall. It’s strate- gic for future grab bars,” he says. “Even if you don’t need it today, it’s there now — so if one day you do need it, there’s support there.” Though many renovations can be more difficult than the work would be in a new building, things can always be done to provide a safer home environ- ment and peace of mind for residents.
two-tiered countertop height that doesn’t look like it’s wheelchair
pressmaster / Adobe Stock
HOME IS WHERE THE
IS
At Hearth Homes, we believe the relationship we build with with our clients is the solid foundation of every one of our custom homes. Guided by this promise we work every day to build a home that faithfully adheres to your unique vision.
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MHBA | SPRING 2026 PARADE of HOMES 111
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