The Art of Aging Gracefully…in Place
As more of the population live longer and healthier lives, many people are choosing to stay in their homes, rather than considering a move to an assisted living community or another type of housing that may represent both smaller living spaces and often less independence.
We love designing spaces for our clients that will allow them to age in place—living in their purpose-built homes where deliberate and careful design planning can create a living environment that is comfortable, flexible, and safe. Limited mobility, compromised eye site, and other age-related changes call for design solutions that can support and help to lessen the impact of physical limitations.
Designing for Aging-in-Place
Many of the considerations we implement in design solutions for aging-in-place are important factors to consider for any homeowner, regardless of stage of life. However, we take an extra careful look at the design for seniors and focus on the following major factors:
● Accessibility: Allowing for fluid, constraint-free living and mobility throughout the home. Accessible features include wide door openings, single-level flooring (threshold and stair-free) and accessible bathrooms. (Wheelchairs require a minimum of 5’ for the turning radius, so bathrooms must be built large enough to accommodate these spatial requirements.)
● Safety: The home should be designed to be safe and easy to navigate for people of all ages and ranges of mobility. Key safety features include non-slip floors, clear visual transitions when flooring levels do change, and curb less showers and carpets that are tacked down to prevent tripping points. If there are stairs in the home, they should be properly carpeted with non-slip, well-cushioned material. Adding an elevator or stair chair can also be a great addition to the home as mobility issues increase.
● Lighting: One of our favorite topics! Well-designed lighting couldn’t be more important both for safety reasons and simply how good lighting makes a space feel. A sense of well-being and warmth can be created from well-located wall lights (sconces) and task lighting incorporating high light levels is essential. Lastly, lighting that is flexible and can be dimmed or turned up according to the occupant’s needs is also an important consideration in planning lighting elements.
● Comfort: Comfort is KING! This means comfortable height toilets in bathrooms, chairs and sofas with adequate support and not too low seating. Supportive backs on furniture, and side tables that allow easy reach to remote controls and light switches are a bonus as well!
● Functionality: Whether you have trouble getting up and down stairs, impaired vision, or are perhaps wheelchair-bound, there are many ways to implement great functionality with appropriate design solutions. For example, kitchen cabinetry and counters can be created to allow for easier access and reach for individuals in a wheelchair. Well-organized, lower-height open cubbies are a great way to store bins and containers. Similarly, specifying lever-style fixtures and door hardware can make for a much more user-friendly household.
Design Tips for Aging-in-Place Living
Here are some general tips we have for optimal design for aging-in-place living:
● Whether you are building a new home, or doing a renovation, start planning early for design decisions that will align perfectly with aging-in-place needs.
● Go to the professionals! Skilled and experienced architects and designers will be well-versed in space planning, structures, built-in details, lighting, and flooring to make a home “age-proof” for people of all generations.
● Think about design solutions in flexible terms. Thinking about and making a list of what you might need in a house in your older years is a great idea and will ultimately save you time and money if implemented early on in a building or renovation process.
● Lifestyle Matters, too! Include thinking about how your home may support your hobbies and interests. Are you a great cook? An artist who might need an accessible studio space? Do you need an easy way to get a bicycle in and out of your garage? Planning for these things will result in a home that truly and completely suits your needs, even as you a
We also like to highlight some of the benefits of staying in your home in your senior years:
● Staying in your home allows you to maintain your independence about how you live and spend your time.
● Quality of Life: staying in your same home means staying integrated and involved in the community you know and love.
● Financial Benefits: If you are healthy and able to live independently in your home, you can save substantially on healthcare costs and long-term care.
● Safety: Living in a familiar home that has been well-designed for aging-in-place, you have the security of knowing your home is already set up for limiting falls, having adequate light, and spaces that can accommodate a walker, wheelchair, or support someone with limited mobility.
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