25 Jul Stylish Home Design Ideas for Those Aging in Place
With the cost of senior living accomodations skyrocketing, not to mention most people’s desire to stay in their own homes as long as possible, it’s no surprise that more and more Quad Cities homeowners are making aging in place a priority. But to do so, you need a home that is age-proof. What does that look like?
An age-proof home combines comfort with reduced risk of accidents. Senior-proofed homes focus on accessibility, convenience, and space to move around. Designing a home you can live in today and tomorrow requires a well-thought-out plan, and one that accommodates your needs now and in the future. Maintain your stylish aesthetic while keeping your home functional for future you with our design ideas.
About Those Stairs
Stairs become harder to navigate as you get older. Falling or even slipping and stumbling can result in broken bones, sprains, and pulled muscles. Stairs are a risk at any age, but when you grow older, they pose even more of a threat for those who are aging in place.
Consider a ranch-style home with everything you need on one level. A stately ranch in a mid-century modern design is very much on trend these days. A farmhouse-style ranch home with plenty of floor-to-ceiling windows is stunning. There are so many different stylish home design styles that make a ranch home anything but boring.
And while we’re on the subject of stairs, consider the access into your home. Even a few steps up to your porch, from your garage, or even from your driveway can pose a potential fall risk. Build your single-story home on a level lot for easy access.
An Illuminating Idea for Aging in Place
As we age, our eyes undergo many changes. From needing those pesky “readers” to dealing with those seemingly inevitable cataracts that cloud and dim our vision. That’s why it’s so important to ensure proper lighting in your stylish home design for aging in place. Increasing visibility not only prevents accidents and eye strain but also enhances mobility.
Some of the ways seniors who are aging in place bring more light into their homes? Include skylights and more windows in your home design. Consider installing baseboard lighting and motion sensor lighting in closets, pantries, and throughout your home. Soft lighting beneath your kitchen and bathroom cabinets and your bathroom vanities helps you find your way in the dark.
Outdoor lighting should illuminate your driveway, walkway, and porch. Motion-sensor spotlights provide an extra level of home security. And motion sensor lighting in your garage helps you find your way much more easily when you’re aging in place.
Cabinet and Counter Heights
The latest trend in kitchen design is to do away with upper cabinets. Not only does that design trend promote an uncluttered and open vibe. It prevents accidents that can occur when reaching or climbing for an item in hard-to-reach spaces.
Find ways to accommodate your storage needs that adjust as you age. Bigger pantries, more closet space in the bathroom, lower cabinets, and deep drawers all help prevent injuries that can happen when the one thing you need is out of reach.
You may also consider lowering a section of your kitchen or bathroom counter in case of future mobility issues that may require a wheelchair.
Full-Size Foyer
A wide and easy-to-navigate entryway is a lovely way to welcome friends and family into your home. It also helps those who are aging in place by removing barriers that pose risks. Doors that are at least 36” wide, easy-to-grasp doorknobs, a threshold that’s flush or no more than 1/4” rise (1/2” if beveled), hooks of varying heights to hang jackets, and only non-slip rugs are your best options for foyer design when aging in place. Another consideration for your open foyer? A comfortable bench on which to sit to put on/take off shoes.
Aging in Place and Your Bathroom
If you’re set on aging in place, you need to consider your bathroom from every angle. The shower should be easy to get in and out of, preferably without a curb. A handheld shower head provides for easier bathing. Install a bench seat from which you can shower yourself. Make sure your shower drains easily.
The flooring throughout your bathroom, and not just in the shower, should be non-slip. A steamy shower may cause condensation on the floor, which poses a slip hazard. Make sure the knobs are within reach of wheelchair height. If a tub is a must, consider an easy-access walk-in tub, or install easy to easy-to-reach grab bars.
Grab bars should be in easy reach of your shower and bathtub, as well as near the toilet. Plenty of light is essential, which makes the bathroom a great place for a skylight or sun tunnel. And, without colder winters, you may consider heated floors.
Smart Home Technology is A Senior’s Best Friend
Finally, seniors would be very wise to take advantage of smart-home technology. There are so many upgrades you can integrate into your new custom home that make aging in place safe and even fun.
Safety features like automatic shut-off for your stove to prevent cooking mishaps, floor sensors that alert someone should you fall, lighting that comes on at your voice command, and virtual home assistants that help you create shopping lists, call family and friends, and play your favorite tunes. There is so much happening every day in the world of high-tech smart homes aging in place is a breeze.
Don’t Just Age in Place-Remain at Home and Thrive
Thinking about a home you can live in for years to come? Don’t just age in place, thrive where you live today and tomorrow. Contact the Quad Cities experts at Seiffert Home Design and let’s design your forever home.