Design trends to consider as you Age in your Home
Designing your home to accommodate the needs and challenges of aging is a concept known as “aging in place.” Many clients love their current home where they’ve made memories for years and they don’t want to move but their house is no longer comfortable, safe, or accessible as they age. Aging in place allows you to stay in the home you love while making it work better for you.
Mobility Aid-Friendly
It’s a good idea to ensure that your home’s layout allows for easy maneuvering while using a wheelchair, walker or mobility scooter should you ever need one. This includes having turning space in rooms and bathrooms. Ensure that doorways and hallways are wide enough to accommodate these mobility aids; a minimum width of 36 inches is often recommended. Creating no-step entrances to your home and between rooms will also ease mobility and avoid tripping hazards.
Bathroom Accessibility
Design a bathroom with a curbless shower, bench seating, handheld showerheads, and a raised toilet seat for easier and safer use. Grab bars and handrails should also be considered in bathrooms, and other areas like hallways and staircases, to provide support and stability.
Kitchen Modifications
When focusing on the kitchen, consider lowering countertops and providing accessible storage options, pull-out shelves, and easy-to-reach appliances. Installing a touch or motion-activated faucet can also be helpful. Alternatively, consider using lever-style handles for faucets and doorknobs, which are easier to use for people with limited hand strength.
Other Ideas
As you age in your home, you may also want to consider non-slip flooring materials and good lighting to minimize the risk of falls. Well-placed outlets and light switches are also important to minimize bending and stretching.
What to Consider
When planning these design features, it’s essential to consider your specific needs and consult with a design-build team experienced in universal design and aging in place. These modifications can enhance your quality of life and allow you to stay in your home comfortably and safely as you age.
Ready to create a home that allows you to age in place?
When you hire Marvista Design + Build in Pittsburgh, PA, you’re hiring a team you can trust to bring your vision to life. We follow a thorough design-build process to streamline your renovation and ensure the success of your project. Our team includes designers, carpenters and project managers, all under one roof. We’ll handle your project from start to finish.
Together, we can create your dream space! Schedule a consultation with us by calling (412) 652-9027 today!
