Imperative Home Adaptations for Comfortable and Safe Aging at Home
Aging in place is a desire shared by many as they enter their golden years. During this stage, empty nests can be repurposed for hobbies, guests, and grandkids, with accessibility, mobility, and comfort being top priorities. However, not all renovations may fit budget constraints or the layout of your home. To best prepare for independent living, interior design experts advise focusing on five key aspects.
Award-winning author Robin Wilson, founder of Clean Design Home, and senior living design expert Lisa M. Cini, CEO of Mosaic Design Studio, share their insights on creating your forever home.
Eliminating Stairway Challenges
For families planning to age in place, a single-floor home may seem less grand, but it is a practical choice. When house hunting, consider purchasing a ranch-style house with no exterior stairs leading from the sidewalk or driveway.
If your home already boasts multiple levels, addressing stairs becomes essential. Install a chair lift or consider an elevator, which no longer necessitates a significant renovation, thanks to new technology. Many homeowners repurpose a coat closet or other existing space for the installation of hydraulic or pneumatic elevators that can be set up in a few days and sometimes use a standard electric outlet [1].
Smart Lighting Solutions
As we age, less light reaches our eyes, making visibility crucial for enhancing mobility and reducing tripping hazards. Lisa M. Cini advocates incorporating lamps, adding skylights, and keeping window treatments airy to let in plenty of light.
Motion sensor lighting is perfect for closets, hallways, and main rooms. Under-cabinet or bathroom counter LEDs and overhead lights above the vanity can offer ideal night lighting without disturbing circadian rhythms or sleep patterns. Exterior pathways should also be well-lit through the installation of solar lights or motion sensors with spotlights [2].
Adjustable Heights for Convenience
Opting for height-adjustable products, such as desks and accessible sinks for the kitchen, is practical for ensuring that all household members can easily access hard-to-reach spaces. Adjustable kitchen cabinets and countertops are another sensible solution.
Heights should be considered in other aspects of the home. A bed that is 21 inches in height is ideal for ease of getting in and out. A nightstand should be accessible from the bed and large enough to hold glasses, medications, and water. Modern overbed or swing-arm tables can replace traditional heirlooms that don't fit well [1].
Bathroom Transformations
Experts stress the importance of retrofitting bathrooms for safety and accessibility. Installing a curbless shower with a hand wand enables elders to bathe independently for an extended period. The floor should slope slightly more with a deeper shower pan for improved safety.
Non-slip shower flooring and shower knobs at wheelchair height are crucial. A hand wand or sprayer is an easy addition for long-term functionality. Include grab bars in the shower, toilet, and above the toilet. When choosing a tub, opt for one with a side-panel door that allows easy entry [1].
Embracing Technology for Ease
Explore smart home upgrades to improve safety and efficiency. Today's aging-in-place technology includes sensors in the flooring that alert if someone falls or turn on lights upon foot contact. Smart home technologies can facilitate a range of tasks, such as calling neighbors or ordering groceries, helping older adults enjoy a more independent lifestyle [1].
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- Home remodeling, with a focus on aging in place, should prioritize solutions such as removing stairway challenges, adopting smart lighting solutions, adjusting heights for convenience, and transforming bathrooms for safety and accessibility.
- When scouring home improvement ideas for aging in place, taking a closer look at single-floor ranch-style homes or addressing multi-level homes by installing chair lifts or elevators is imperative.
- In the realm of decorating strategies, experts emphasize the importance of incorporating lamps, skylights, and motion sensor lighting for optimal visibility, especially in crucial areas like closets, hallways, and main rooms.
- Adjustable heights are recommended not only for kitchen products but also bedroom furniture, like a 21-inch-high bed and an accessible nightstand, to ensure comfort for all members of the household.
- Smart home technologies, such as sensors within the flooring, can serve as crucial aging-in-place advice, facilitating a more independent lifestyle by alerting neighbors or helping with tasks like ordering groceries.
