Aging in Place: Remodeling Ideas to Stay in Your Home Longer
- Amy Farnum
- Jun 4
- 4 min read
As we age, our needs evolve, and our living spaces should evolve with them. Modifying our homes to meet these changing requirements can make all the difference in maintaining independence and comfort. Aging in place has become a popular concept for homeowners who wish to spend their golden years in the familiarity and security of their own home. The idea is to create a living environment that is not only safe and functional but also comfortable and aligned with personal tastes.
In this blog post, we'll dive into some thoughtful design choices you can make to adapt your home for aging in place. From practical adjustments like wider doorways and grab bars, to aesthetic enhancements that maintain a luxurious and personalized feel, there are countless ways to create a space that supports your lifestyle as you grow older. Whether you're planning ahead or making changes now, these tips will help ensure your home remains a safe, stylish, and welcoming haven for many years to come.
One-level Living
One-level living is a hallmark of aging in place, offering seamless accessibility and eliminating the challenge of navigating stairs as mobility may decline. By designing or transitioning your home into a single-story layout, you create a safer environment that reduces the risk of falls while maintaining an elegant and cohesive aesthetic.
Open floor plans further enhance this approach by providing clear sightlines and easy movement between spaces, fostering both functional flow and modern sophistication. Thoughtful room placement, such as locating bedrooms and bathrooms close to common areas, ensures convenience and comfort without sacrificing luxury.
Wider Doorways and Corridors
As we age, mobility tends to become more challenging, especially if we have mobility issues. It's important to consider the width of the doorways and corridors when designing your home. Wider doorways and corridors will make it easier to navigate through the space, especially if you are using a mobility aid. This design choice will also create a more open and spacious feel to your home.
Bathrooms
Another area to focus on when designing your home for aging in place is the bathroom. Bathrooms can be dangerous areas for seniors, so making some wise design choices can go a long way to prevent accidents. Consider installing grab bars in the shower and by the toilet, a walk-in shower, and a comfort height toilet. Even if you’re not needing grab bars yet, by placing studs in the wall during remodeling can help to prep for those when the time comes.
Also, remodeling your shower to be a zero-entry shower allows a seamless and safe entry into the shower even by wheelchair or walker. A conveniently located shower bench with handheld shower faucets, making it a relaxing and luxurious experience.
These modifications will make your bathroom safer and more comfortable, without compromising on the stylish look that you desire.
Kitchen
The kitchen is considered the heart of the home, and it's essential to make it functional and easy to use for all family members. As we age, bending down and reaching for items can become challenging.
Most clients are now opting for drawers over doors and conveniently placed pull-down shelves that allow you to easily access the contents of every cabinet. A pull-up shelf for your KitchenAid mixer is a game-changer, providing easy access to a heavy appliance that might otherwise stay tucked away and unused in storage.
These modifications will allow you to work in the kitchen with ease and comfort, and as a bonus, allow you to organize your kitchen effectively.
Lighting
Good lighting is essential in any home, but it's even more important when designing for aging in place. As we age, our eyesight tends to decline. (Interesting fact: our eyes see less shades of green and blues as we age and that’s why you see so many nursing homes have a mauve color palette.)
While natural light is always preferred, ensure to incorporate plenty of light into your home, especially in high-fall or trip zones like a bathroom or stairs. Also, consider installing dimmer switches and task lighting in areas like the kitchen and bathroom. This will provide you with a comfortable level of lighting for any task at hand.
Smart Home Technology
Finally, consider incorporating smart home technology into your home design. This doesn't need to be anything overly complicated! Selecting strategic smart home technology can make life easier and more convenient for seniors. Devices like voice-activated assistants like Alexa or Google Nest, motion sensors that illuminate the space as you move through it, and WiFi-connected thermostats can help you control your home environment, making tasks easier, safer, and more efficient.
Final Thoughts:
Designing your dream home for aging in place doesn't mean that you have to compromise on luxury and beauty. With these wise design choices, you can create a home that's safe, comfortable, and functional for all your needs. Remember, it's crucial to focus on areas like the bathroom and kitchen, where accidents tend to happen.
If you're planning to live in your home for many years to come, incorporating these design choices now ensures that your home is suitable for you as you age.
Have questions about aging in place in your home?
Don't hesitate to reach out to us for guidance and advice regarding your aging-in-place needs. We can help you make the best decisions for your unique home and requirements, allowing you to gracefully age-in-place in your own home for many years to come.
Stay well and be inspired,
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