The Boss’s Daughter

Aging in Place… In Your 30s? Yes, Please!

When you hear “aging in place,” you probably think of your golden years - ramps, lever door handles, grab bars, and other upgrades meant to keep you safe and comfortable later in life. But accessibility isn’t just for seniors. It’s for anyone who wants a home that works smarter, not harder, for everyone who lives there.

In my house, accessibility isn’t optional, it’s essential. I have three autistic children, which means we need a space that is safe, easy to navigate, and adaptable to different needs and routines. Add in the fact that my dad now has mobility challenges after undergoing two stem cell transplants and years of chemotherapy, and you can see why “accessible” is just our normal.

Style Meets Accessibility

I will never live in a home that doesn’t have these upgrades. Why? Because they make life easier for everyone- kids, guests, busy parents, and those with medical or mobility needs. And here’s the secret: you don’t have to sacrifice style for function.

I’ve seen firsthand how valuable accessible design can be. My dad was in his forties when an unexpected illness forced him to rethink his home. He went from taking two stairs at a time to needing a ramp from the driveway to the back door. He converted the downstairs into a master suite with an extended countertop so he didn’t have to bend over, a spacious shower, and a comfort-height toilet. He even redesigned the kitchen so my mom didn’t have to carry meals upstairs. It was a lifesaver- literally. But making those changes in a hurry is stressful. Planning ahead gives you time to make thoughtful, beautiful choices.

This is a no barrier show. Great for those who do not what to step up to get in the shower. 

My “Non-Negotiable” Upgrades

While my dad’s changes were born of necessity, mine are about comfort and convenience. Growing up as the boss’s daughter means I’ve been spoiled with features I now consider must-haves:

Comfort height toilets

Grab bars by the toilet and in the shower

Shower benches and barrier-free showers

Under-cabinet lighting

Dishwasher drawers (no bending over!)

Microwave drawers (also no bending over!)

Motion sensor lighting

Push come to shove, I could live without some of these… but why would I? At this point, I’d rather assign the bending-over jobs to my kids.

Even they’ve gotten used to these perks. My five-year-old once grabbed a toilet paper holder like it was a grab bar, broke it, and then complained that it “wasn’t installed right.”

Grab bars do not have to be ugly- look at this sleek beauty!

Beauty and Function Can Coexist

Accessible design doesn’t mean your home has to look clinical. At Toupin Construction, we believe your home can be both beautiful and functional. Whether you’re thirty, sixty, or somewhere in between, these upgrades are an investment in comfort, safety, and style that pays off every single day.

Why wait until you “need” them when you can start enjoying them now?