Aging in place
“Aging in place” is another way to say that all members of the family are able to function in their home, regardless of age and ability. Many people are now addressing and planning for changes that will no doubt occur over time, such as hearing and vision loss, slower reflexes, decreased flexibility or wheelchair access. There are a few things to consider in making a smooth and open traffic flow pattern in your home, adaptable for multiple family members, energy-efficient, and easy to maintain.
Aging in Place – Features to Consider:
Create a Barrier-Free and Open Floor Plan That is Easy to Navigate
Provide a seamless threshold across all doorways.
Widen hallways and doorways for wheelchair accessibility.
Replace door knobs with levers.
Provide doorbell chimes in multiple locations.
Install flashing lights to alert the homeowner when the doorbell rings or when someone is calling on the phone.
Select Slip-Resistant Flooring Options
Bamboo
Cork
Some vinyl floors
Improve Lighting and Access to Electrical Outlets
Lower wall switches and raise receptacles throughout the home so that they are easier to reach.
Lighted cover plates and outlets make it easier for someone with vision loss to find the switch. Automating light switches with motion sensors and timers are also a fantastic option to allow seniors to control the lighting of one side of the house while occupying another.
Choose energy-efficient LED and flicker-free lighting. Provide additional lighting everywhere. Seniors need as much as three times more light than younger people. Greater illumination is needed for entryways, and task lighting can help in frequently used work areas.
Make Bathrooms User Friendly
A custom height vanity sink with a slim vanity shelf or floating shelf is wheelchair friendly.
Install comfort-height toilets.
Invest in grab bars. There are many beautiful options available that disguise as toilet paper holders or shelves in the shower.
Install hand-held shower heads and walk-in showers.
Consider automatic flushing mechanisms and install anti-scalding temperature controls in showers.
Trade traditional faucets for models with blade handles, single-lever faucets, or motion controls.
Upgrade Your Kitchen
Consider kitchen cabinets that have under-cabinet lighting as well as pull-out drawers, slide-out shelves, and roll-out cabinets to eliminate the need for reaching or crawling into lower cupboards.
Wall ovens with doors that open to the side rather than fold down to the front.
Look into appliances that can be mounted on the wall or located in easy-to-reach drawers to avoid bending.
Install a High-Efficiency Furnace, Air Conditioner, and Energy-Efficient Windows
Create a comfortable temperature in your home so that you are warm in the winter and comfortable in the summer.
Programmable thermostats with easy-to-read displays are efficient and save on energy bills.
Energy-efficiency windows prevent heat from escaping your home in the winter and reduce solar heat in the summer.