When designing a home where you intend to age in place, it’s important to design thoughtfully from day one. There are elements of design that you can incorporate into your home that don’t just make it easier, but make it possible to remain at home well into your senior years. Here are the features that you should consider that will help older adults thrive in their environment for years to come.
Single-Level, Spacious Design
Having a living area that is completely accessible without using stairs is key to ensuring that you can reliably utilize all of your critical spaces, no matter your physical abilities. Furthermore, spacious, open-concept rooms allow you to comfortably use a mobility device throughout your home.
Grab Bars
Grab bars are critical in spaces where you need to go from standing to sitting, or where things may get slippery, like in the bathroom. Placements alongside the toilet, at the entry to the shower or bathtub, and inside the shower or bathtub are necessary.
Lower Level Storage
Ensuring there’s enough storage space to transition everything a person needs in their day-to-day is important. Reaching higher places, relying on step stools, and lifting overhead may not be within a senior’s capabilities. It’s far easier to keep everything stored below, ideally using pull-out shelving or drawers for maximum accessibility.
Easy-Grip Handles
Fine motor skills may wane with age. Choosing handle pulls on drawers and cabinets makes storage more accessible for those who may have more trouble grabbing and gripping.
Thoughtful Electrical Installation
Electrical installation in the home can make a large difference in the everyday lives of seniors. Flat light switches are often more accessible for people with limited mobility. Outlets that are placed higher on the wall mean that you don’t have to reach as far down or navigate bulky furniture to plug and unplug. Bright, recessed lighting allows seniors who may be losing their vision to see everything clearly.
No Entry Shower
Showers can be some of the most accident-prone areas of the home for seniors. You can make it safer by utilizing a no-entry shower, which features a flat, level entry. Without a lip or tub, seniors don’t have to strain as hard to enter and use a mobility aid as needed. Bonus points for showers that feature a bench!
Garage Space
For seniors who are still driving, a garage can help navigate the safety challenges that come with the weather. When you can park your car in a covered space, it remains cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. For seniors in states with snow, it helps ensure you don’t have to clean off your car or navigate ice.
Floors With Traction
Rugs can help create traction, but area rugs can cause a tripping hazard for those with mobility issues. Floor textures that create traction or fully carpeted homes can be a smart choice.
Designing with longevity in mind can help you adapt to whatever changes aging brings. For those who want to age in place, planning is crucial in creating a home that can safely house you when your physical abilities change.
For those who may not be able, Eddy Senior Living creates a home away from home, where you can safely age. Schedule a tour and visit one of our communities today!