How to Create a Home for Aging-in-Place
With the way the housing market has been for the last few years, it makes sense why living at home forever is an ideal homeownership approach to take. However, fewer than half of those who plan on staying in their current homes long-term are older than fifty-five and of those even less are planning to remodel in the next three years. The process of staying in your home long-term and remodeling it to suite your needs is commonly referred to as aging-in-place, a growing trend amongst homeowners, especially in areas such as Sunset Beach that are highly sought-after by families and retirees alike.
Tips for Aging-In-Place
Make the Entry Easily Accessible
When you are remodeling your entrance, make sure that you are aiming for a no-step flat landing outside that provides shelter from the weather. Barrier-free is the best method, with a threshold that is flush or higher than 1/4 inch if beveled or 1/2 inch if it is tapered. Doors should have an easy-to-grasp lever-style handle. Putting a bench in the entryway can help provide a space to easily change footwear while providing storage space. You can even add a stylish rug, as long as it is laid over a nonslip rubber pad and the edges are secured with carpet tape.
Create a Safe Bathroom Space
Slipping in the bath and falling is scary for anyone at any age, leading to the cause of many injuries, some even life-threatening. However, some baths are designed with safety in mind and also feel luxurious. Accessible baths can also look just as great. For example, showers that don’t have a curb are aging-friendly as well as capable of matching a boutique hotel vibe, particularly when coupled with a hand shower that slides, a shower bench seat, and heated floors. Bidet toilets, lever-style faucet handles, and entry doors like pocket or barn doors boost functionality and style.
A Kitchen Designed for Aging-in-Place
A kitchen that is easily accessible is better for everyone–who wouldn’t want essentials in easy reach and prep space at a height that won’t hurt your back? Open floor plans are popular features in a house as they encourage socialization while maximizing the flow of natural light. Prep space in your kitchen at differing heights can add airiness to a space, as well as a peninsula supported by chair-accommodating pedestals. Items that are frequently used should be easily within reach of all, including those who are seated. Motion-sensing faucets are handy and quirky in an aging-in-place-friendly space. Flooring should be slip-resistant and durable, with options including wood, rubber, laminate, and some vinyl options.
Factor in the Subtle Stuff
Other improvements can add to peace of mind, particularly if you are looking to create a luxury-style experience within your home, including the following:
- Stay Engaged with the World: This might be as simple as a view that is inviting from a window that is low enough to see through when you are seated. A guest room can also be a great way to encourage guests to visit.
- Private Space: This might become important when there are more than two living in your home. It can be as small as a room set aside for work or hobby purposes or a bay window boxed off by closets.
- Dedicated Space for Hobbies: Whether you are potting plants, making quilts, or writing a book, it is another way to enjoy keeping both the mind and hand engaged. Keep all your materials for your hobby in one place so you can easily gravitate to it.
Aging-in-Place Flawlessly
As with all other aspects of renovating your home, designing your living space with your future in mind can be a payoff in the end. Make your home safe, beautiful, and comfortable for all so you can age naturally and gracefully without needing to have an aging discussion at all. Aging-in-place fixtures, finishes, and furnishings are easier than ever to find, and they have some of the best universal appeal, with many products perfectly able to work in any type of home. When it comes to house hunting, if you plan on staying in your home long-term, make sure it can appeal to all stages of your life, from raising kids, to space for family pets to play and an open floor plan that can be easily accessible should any mobility problems arise. To find your perfect home for aging-in-place, contact us today!