Ten Practical and Overlooked Tips for Aging in Place: Designing Your Home for the Future
As Americans increasingly plan to age in place, the key is creating a home that’s safe, functional, and adaptable to future needs. While some changes, like installing grab bars or adding a bedroom on the main floor, are well-known, others are less obvious yet equally impactful. Below is a mix of practical essentials and fresh ideas to help ensure your home works for you as you age.
1. Entryway: First Impressions Matter
- Practical Essentials: A no-step entry with a wide door (32-36 inches) makes your home wheelchair- and walker-friendly. Install non-slip flooring and a sturdy bench or shelf for placing groceries or bags, or for sitting when you enter.
- Overlooked Ideas: Add a motion-sensor light for visibility and a video doorbell for security. Consider a package drop box to avoid bending down to pick up deliveries.
2. Kitchen: Accessibility and Efficiency
- Practical Essentials: Lower counters, pull-out shelves, and easy-to-reach appliances make the kitchen more user-friendly. Install lever-style faucet handles and under-cabinet lighting for better visibility.
- Overlooked Ideas:
- Create a multi-level counter to accommodate seated meal prep.
- Swap cabinet doors for pull-out drawers or open shelving for easier access.
- Integrate smart appliances with voice control for added convenience.
3. Bathroom: Safety and Comfort
- Practical Essentials: Install grab bars, a curbless shower, and a taller toilet (17-19 inches). Use non-slip tiles for floors and showers.
- Overlooked Ideas:
- Add an adjustable handheld showerhead with a long hose.
- Include built-in antibacterial protection in shower stalls and other surfaces.
- Install a heated floor to reduce the risk of slipping on cold, damp surfaces.
- Incorporate motion-sensor lights for nighttime visits.
4. Bedroom: Comfort Meets Functionality
- Practical Essentials: A main-level bedroom eliminates the need to climb stairs. Use a bed height that’s easy to get in and out of, and ensure pathways are wide and clear.
- Overlooked Ideas:
- Place electrical outlets at bed height for medical equipment or phone chargers.
- Consider installing a wall-mounted fold-down desk for flexibility in use.
- Opt for blackout shades with remote control for ease of use.
5. Living Room: Design for Mobility and Socializing
- Practical Essentials: Arrange furniture to allow a clear 5-foot turning radius for wheelchairs. Use flooring that’s smooth, non-slip, and contrasts in color to help indicate changes in level.
- Overlooked Ideas:
- Replace area rugs with secure runners or remove them entirely.
- Add outlets in the floor for easier access when rearranging furniture.
- Include a smart home hub to control lighting, temperature, and security systems with ease.
6. Stairways and Hallways: Navigating the Home
- Practical Essentials: Install sturdy railings on both sides of staircases and use non-slip treads. Hallways should be at least 36 inches wide for wheelchair access.
- Overlooked Ideas:
- Use contrasting colors or lighting strips at the edges of steps to improve visibility.
- Consider a chairlift or pre-frame the home for future elevator installation.
- Add motion-activated lights for nighttime navigation.
7. Storage: Accessibility Matters
- Practical Essentials: Lower shelves and pull-out drawers in closets and cabinets make storage more accessible.
- Overlooked Ideas:
- Use pull-down shelving for upper cabinets.
- Install automatic lighting inside closets.
- Create a central storage hub for medical supplies or mobility aids, ensuring they’re easy to access but out of the way.
8. Outdoor Spaces: Extend Usability
- Practical Essentials: Build ramps with a gentle slope (1:12 ratio) and handrails. Use durable, slip-resistant decking materials.
- Overlooked Ideas:
- Install raised garden beds for easier gardening.
- Add a shaded seating area with USB ports or outlets for outdoor relaxation.
- Include lighting along pathways and steps for evening safety.
9. Home Technology: A Smart Approach
- Practical Essentials: Voice-activated smart assistants can control lighting, locks, and appliances, while video surveillance enhances security.
- Overlooked Ideas:
- Use sensors to monitor leaks, smoke, or carbon monoxide levels.
- Install fall-detection technology in key areas, like bathrooms and bedrooms.
- Set up remote monitoring systems to allow family or caregivers to check in.
10. General Tips: Thinking Ahead
- Practical Essentials:
- Maintain a log of improvements and receipts for future resale value or tax benefits.
- Consult a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist to ensure your plans meet your long-term needs.
- Overlooked Ideas:
- Opt for low-maintenance materials like vinyl siding and composite decking.
- Incorporate an adaptable “flex room” that can serve different purposes, such as a caregiver’s suite or home office.
Aging in place doesn’t mean compromising on style or function. By implementing these practical tips alongside creative, lesser-known ideas, you can ensure your home remains a safe, comfortable haven for years to come.