Aging in Place: Creating a Safe and Comfortable Home

tianafordelight
Aug 1
3 min read

Hey Family!

I pray you all are doing well and this new month brings you joy, peace and hope!

August 1 is special to me as it marks my parents' wedding anniversary. Their commitment to each other and faith has shaped my life. I was a surprise baby, born when my mom was considered to have a geriatric pregnancy. Despite medical concerns, both my mom and I were healthy, and she remains vibrant today.

My Parents - always adorable. Happy Anniversary!

As we age, it's crucial to consider how we can continue thriving. Aging in place design is essential for this purpose. With generations like Boomers, Gen Xers, and Millennials reaching or at middle age, it's important to think about design strategies for a smooth aging transition. Here are some tips:

1. Prioritize Accessibility

Ensuring that yours or your loved one's home is accessible is crucial.

Eliminate Steps: Where possible, remove steps or add ramps to make entry and exit easier. It doesn't have to be a ramp that is unappealing. It can be a well-thought-out pathway or lead-up that has a small incline and is still aesthetically beautiful.
Wider Doorways: Some of these older home doorways are extremely thin for walkers, wheelchairs, or other mobility aids.
Single-Level Living: If feasible, design your home with everything on one level to avoid stairs, or plan to be flexible with a downstairs primary bedroom suite.

Wide halls and doorways can assist with mobility devices

2. Focus on Safety

Non-Slip Flooring: Choose flooring materials that reduce the risk of slips and falls, such as textured tiles or carpets. There are many products that are hardscape and non-slip that a designer can help you with in selection.
Lighting: Ensure ample lighting throughout the home, particularly in hallways, staircases, and entryways to prevent accidents.
Grab Bars: Install grab bars in bathrooms and near stairs for additional support. The grab bars are not the ones of old, where they're just big gray bars. There are various coatings and looks now that will still be beautiful and easy for resale.

This bathroom has wide pass areas and accessible racks for storage. Floating cabinets can help with foot space as well.

The grab bars are thought of and match the exterior shower bar. There's also enough room in this shower for a chair

3. Enhance Comfort

One can always enhance comfort and ease in their home. Be intentional with the following ideas:

Ergonomic Furniture: Select furniture that is easy to get in and out of, like chairs with armrests and higher seat heights.
Temperature Control: Ensure that heating and cooling systems are easy to operate, and consider adding programmable thermostats.
Personal Touches: Incorporate personal items and decor that evoke positive memories and feelings.

Various seating options with heightened arm rest can assist with mobility

4. Incorporate Technology

Technology can significantly enhance safety and convenience for aging in place:

Smart Home Devices: Utilize smart home technology for lighting, security, and climate control that can be operated remotely.
Emergency Response Systems: Consider installing systems that allow seniors to call for help easily in case of an emergency.
Voice-Activated Assistants: Use voice-activated devices to control various aspects of the home without needing to move around.

Smart Home Devices can truly assist with aging in place

5. Plan for the Future

When designing for aging in place, it’s essential to think long-term:

Flexible Spaces: Create spaces that can be easily adapted as needs change over time.
Consider Future Needs: Think about potential mobility issues and how your design can accommodate them.

Modern living room with wide spaces and moveable furniture that can edited as needed

Conclusion

Interior design for aging in place is about creating a home that promotes safety, comfort, and independence. By prioritizing accessibility, safety, comfort, technology, and future needs, you can design a space that allows seniors to thrive in their own homes for years to come. Remember, thoughtful design can make a significant difference in the quality of life for yourself or for loved ones.

Make Every Day Beautiful,

Tiana