While “aging in place” is a relatively new concept and design idea in the home design discourse, there are some great benefits associated with the concept. Aging in place simply means creating a space that is designed for you to grow older while maintaining your comfort and safety. Often design ideas associated with the aging in place concept combine style, accessibility, and safety. The following list of aging in place design ideas will allow homeowners to grow older in a luxurious, comfortable, and safe environment.
Kitchen Cabinets Drawers
Adding kitchen cabinet drawers are by no means intended just for homeowners looking to develop an aging in place layout in their home. These shelves make storage cabinets widely accessible and save space. However, in addition to their convenience, these storage shelves also alleviate unnecessary strain standard drawers can have on a homeowner’s knees, back, and joints.
Curbless Showers
Curbless showers provide increased mobility and a luxurious style to any bathroom. These showers allow homeowners using wheelchairs and walkers to transition from the bathroom to shower in an effortless manner. A well designed curbless shower should be sloped in a way that allows water from the shower to end up in a drain and not in the middle of the bathroom.
Bathroom Benches
Bathroom benches are the perfect aging in place addition to any bathroom area. These benches alleviate additional stress and discomfort older homeowners may have while going through their standard bathroom routine. Most bathroom bench design ideas also do not seem like an addition meant to address a disability. These bathroom benches are typically either wall-hung models that fold up when not in use, or built-in benches that provide additional comfort and storage in tight bathroom spaces.
Door Levers
Arthritis is one of the leading medical problems that affect most elderly homeowners. This problem can make twisting and turning doorknobs painful and uncomfortable. Homeowners looking to alleviate this discomfort and provide a stylish touch to their home can look to install stainless steel door levers. These door levers require less friction and grip to use than their doorknob competitors.
Smart Appliances
While smart appliances are becoming increasingly expensive, these appliances can provide a series of benefits to a home looking to develop luxurious aging in place design. Most smart appliances found on the market now can be controlled electronically from a cell phone, tablet, or computer. These appliances mostly make life a little easier, but can also increase a home’s safety. Certain smart appliances have programs installed to let homeowners know when an item has been left on or open.
Stair Lights
Stair lights are a simple and easy addition to any aging in place home layout. These lights allow homeowners to safely traverse their stairs in the middle of the night or early morning. The true elegance and efficiency of stair lights is achieved when installed to a dimmer and sensor. These sensors can enable the stair lights to turn on whenever approached. The dimmer can also allow the lights to provide ambient lighting that is not harsh nor distracting. Homeowners looking to improve the safety of their stairs further should look to install a handrail that provides additional stability and support.
Additional Aging In Place Thoughts
The aging in place design ideas listed above are sure to increase a home’s safety, and comfort, while still providing style and luxury. Additional ways to create an aging in place home layout include swapping hardwood and concrete floors for softer materials like a luxury vinyl plank, installing motion lights that shine on a home’s driveway and doorstep, and opting for touchless faucets.
Matt Lee is the owner of the Innovative Building Materials blog and a content writer for the building materials industry. He is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that save money, improve energy efficiency, and increase property value.
