02/17/97 MAKING ROOM FOR GRANDADDY

MAKING ROOM FOR GRANDADDY
Smart remodeling for elderly relatives
In generations past, families who cared for elderly relatives at home were forced to make do. An aunt might share a bedroom with a young child. A frail grandfather might be confined to a single room because steps and doorways wouldn't accommodate his wheelchair.
Even under the best of circumstances, multigenerational living isn't easy. But today, there's an entire industry that designs home modifications and manufactures appliances for the elderly. By careful planning, families can let the elderly ''keep their dignity and independence but allow the family to follow a normal routine without having to walk on eggshells,'' says Neil Rosenthal, a family therapist in Denver. Rosenthal, whose live-in grandmother taught him a mean gin rummy game, says good design helps all parties keep their privacy and minimizes the irritation and resentment of living in close quarters.
More and more families are taking elderly relatives under their roofs. A study by the American Association of Retired Persons concluded that the number of parents living with children over age 55 doubled, to 4%, between 1992 and 1996.
At-home care is cheaper, and the older person may contribute to household expenses. He or she often enriches the family as a link to the past and provides companionship to a child or helps a harried working parent. And by living with family, the elderly can often stay near friends and cherished institutions.
ADD-ON SUITES. Customized living space ''doesn't look like a hospital and remind them they're older,'' says Richard Millard, manager of Access Unlimited, a designer in Richmond, Va. High toilets come in trendy colors to match sinks and tubs, and grab bars are available in gold and textured brass. Even ugly outdoor ramps can be eliminated by grading the land around doorways. ''Remodel so you increase the value and don't have to rip out improvements when you sell,'' advises Judith Miley, president of JEMarCo, an Ocala (Fla.)-based company that markets housing products for the elderly.
The best solution may be a ''granny suite''--bedroom, bath, and kitchenette--either an add-on, a converted garage, or a room in the house. With this arrangement, the grandparent has privacy and feels like less of a burden, but the family is close by in case of an emergency. Certain design elements to keep in mind include easy-to-open windows that don't cost any more than regular ones. Both Pella and Marvin make casement windows that can be unlocked and opened from a wheelchair. An intercom system, such as those made by Broan Manufacturing and Newtone, can alert the family that help is needed. Zoning in single-family neighborhoods may prohibit a second kitchen, but homeowners can usually add a sink and a microwave, allowing the older person to fix simple meals and snacks. Jacksonville (Fla.) remodeler Lawrence Murr says that suites in his area average 25% to 30% of a home's value, or $35,000 for a $120,000 home. A second mortgage can finance the work.
Of course, modifying a home is far less expensive than adding on. ''Access is the biggest problem. Doorways may not be big enough for walkers or wheelchairs, the bath is not convenient, and there may be stairs,'' says Murr. Solving those problems can be as simple as adding ramps and installing pocket doors that slide into the wall, providing more doorway space. You can also construct a walk-in shower in lieu of a bathtub and add wheelchair-accessible low counters in the bathroom. Kitchen counters can be lowered, too.
Other hints: replace doorknobs with levers, or install special door openers to alleviate difficulty gripping and twisting knobs. A Broan system allows a bedridden or wheelchair-bound person to open a door electronically. Add nonstick flooring, remove thresholds for wheelchair and walker access, and increase lighting to compensate for dimming eyesight. To protect aging backs, designers recommend that electrical outlets be 27 inches off the floor, instead of baseboard level, and toilet seats 19 inches high, compared with the standard 16 inches.
DO IT YOURSELF. These books can help the work along: Home Planning for Your Later Years (by William K. Wasch, Beverly Cracom Publications, $19.95) and Do-Able Renewable Home (#D12470/AARP EEO1110/Fulfillment, 601 E St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20049). A local chapter of the National Association of Home Builders should be able to recommend contractors.
An architect may not be necessary unless an extensive addition is planned. Still, many baby boomers seek professional help redesigning their homes. That's because the changes that they're making aren't just for elderly parents. They're hoping that intelligent remodeling will let them stay in their homes during their own old age.
ADVICE: Before the move, take stock of living space: Good design helps minimize the irritation of close living
By Sandra Dallas
EDITED BY TODDI GUTNER