According to AARP, formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons, 90 percent of Americans wish to age in their own houses. Unfortunately, about 90 percent of homes aren’t intended to facilitate aging that was comfy, secure. (Maybe you discovered that during a recent sports accident recuperation.)
Below are some resolutions you can make to help your home facilitate aging, whether for your long-term needs, to get a live-in comparative or to the security of your visitors.
More New Year’s Design Resolutions: Healthier Kitchen | Kitchen Planning
The Garden Route Company
AIP Resolution No. 1: I will make my home visitable.
Stairs create a grand entrance for your home, but are not so grand for people or residents using wheelchairs or walkers. Consider a zero-barrier entrance to your home and at least one available ground floor bath.
Not just will this make your home more visitable, it is also going to aid you if an older relative with freedom problems move in, or if you sustain a sports injury which precludes stair climbing during your recuperation.
On a related note, zero-threshold showers are also recommended for aging in place.
Michael Fullen Design Group
AIP Resolution No. 2: I will make entering my home more convenient.
You want your entrance to speak eloquently to the style of your home, as this one does.
In spite of a couple stairs, an entrance can be more user-friendly for vistors or citizens posture markets, gifts, luggage and the like. Think about a seat, ledge or outdoor-friendly table where somebody can rest their bundles to achieve keys and door knob.
Within this handsome area, there’s space for a resting place on the hinge side of the door.
Michael Robert Construction
AIP Resolution No. 3: I will make my stairs safer.
The well-secured runner on this elegant staircase is a good measure in the aging-in-place standing of the home. It will most likely keep people from slipping on the glistening wood treads.
Also, think about adding stairway lighting with a two-way switch on top and bottom and a matching handrail across the wall.
residentialelevators.com
Residential Elevators
AIP Resolution No. 4: I’ll plan for future years.
Most multi-story houses do not have, or need, elevators, but when your master bedroom is upstairs and you also build a freedom issue, an elevator can be a resource. It’s not cheap to include one, but is relocating to assisted living.
If you’re building a custom multi-level home you intend to live in indefinitely, ask your architect to organize space for an elevator so that it will be easier to add later if you need one.
Elizabeth Gordon
AIP Resolution No. 5: I will decrease trip hazards in my home.
Table lamps are elegant additions into a living space and a fantastic way to add reading light in a study. Just be absolutely sure that their cords aren’t crossing a walkway and making a trip hazard.
Scatter rugs can also present trip hazards, therefore consider eliminating those if you have eyesight, mobility or balance problems.
Vintage Tub & Bath
Town Square Faucet
AIP Resolution No. 6: I will improve my lever-age.
Levers are a lot simpler for older hands to operate than pops or cross-handles, especially for those suffering from Parkinson’s or arthritis.
Change out your door knobs, cabinet hardware and taps with lever-handled versions for increased accessibility and absolutely no lack of style.
InterDesign Studio
AIP Resolution No. 7: I’ll add accessible seating to my kitchen.
Hopping up on a barstool is simple when you’re a athletic 20-something. It’s not so simple for seniors. Having counter height (greater ) or table elevation (optimal ) seating makes older consumers more comfortable and safer. It’s also a blessing for anyone visiting or moving in your home in a wheelchair.
If you’re planning to add an island or remodel your kitchen to get long-term living, contemplate available chairs as part of your plan.
CliqStudios Cabinets
Pantry Cabinet | CliqStudios.com
AIP Resolution No. 8: I’ll begin rolling.
Roll-out trays, swing-outs, Lazy Susans and other”pull-forward” cupboard accessories are a lot simpler for aging eyes and backs to use. They also greatly enhance the storage capability of your own kitchen by creating the deep recesses of your cabinets more accessible.
More: The No-Threshold Shower
Creating a Home That Works for Everyone
See More Universal Design Ideas