A deep dive into the subject of aging in place, with considerations and myths.
What does aging in place mean, or universal design mean? You may have heard these terms tossed around in the world of residential remodeling, and sometimes words can fall flat. I’m here to help you navigate through example and other ways to think of those words in relation to your home. The definitions are my own, to help you understand without the jargon.
Aging in place:
The ability to live in your home as long as you are comfortable doing so. Making design decisions so that you are able to be independent for as long as possible in a familiar setting.
Perhaps you have a goal for long-term care, in that you don’t want to move until you are in need of assisted care. Or, perhaps you want to have assisted care come to your home. You may love your neighborhood, love the memories of your home or simply want to prolong a big change in environment.
Universal design:
Designing a space so it works well for everyone who uses it — any age, any ability — without it looking or feeling different from any other beautifully designed home.
Where aging in place is about planning for your home and your future needs, universal design is the broader principle behind it: wider doorways, lever handles, varied counter heights, good lighting — details that make a space easier for everyone, whether that’s a toddler, a guest recovering from surgery, or you in twenty years. Aging in place is the goal. Universal design is how we get there.
What do I discuss with clients, when we are considering an aging in place concept for design?
Pinch-points of daily routine
- Moving through your daily routine, where might there be obstacles as you age. Does your bathroom not accommodate use of a walker? Are your doorways and hallways tight? Are appliances easy to use in your Kitchen? What will the path look like from your bedroom to other frequently used areas?
Goals for care
- If you plan to care come to you, if needed, we want to make sure that we’re considering that in our design. In some instances, this might look like assistance from a family member that moves in with you. In other instances, it might be that a caretaker will assist with tasks a few times a week. Or, perhaps you want to extend the stay in your home, but to the point of needing a walker for daily use.
Future consideration
- I have helped a few families, where one member has already recovered from a knee surgery, knowing that they need another knee replacement in the future. They describe the obstacles they encountered in their first recovery, that they don’t want to face again. All discussions are helpful to not only plan for the what-ifs, but also the practical realities of what is needed for the next recovery.
Project investment
- Does it make sense to update your whole home at once, or take a phased approach? Both can work, and the right answer depends on your timeline and your goals for care. A phased approach might mean starting with the bathroom you use most, and building in the structural groundwork — blocking behind the walls for future grab bars, a curbless shower base, wider door rough-ins — so the visible finish work can happen now, and any additional support can be added later without tearing into walls again. A few years down the road, that same logic might extend to the kitchen, or to widening a hallway.
- A full remodel makes sense when you already know your long-term goals for care, or when you’re renovating a space regardless and want to build the planning in from the start rather than revisit it twice.
- Either way, the goal is the same: good, better, best solutions that fit your budget and timeline now, without closing the door on what you might need later.
Function & Design Aesthetic
- This is a space that we want to design right, the first time. We will discuss function for now, as well as later. In addition, how do the updates flow into the existing look of your home? Are you looking for a refreshed design where you can showcase new finishes and design details.
Myths of aging in place
Design of the space will feel ‘hospital-looking’ and lacking of personality
- Definitely not. Nobody wants to live in a sterile environment. There are beautiful and practical ways to source materials that are lower-maintenance, while having an upscale look.
Aging in Place has to be driven by ADA guidelines (American Disabilities Act)
- ADA guidelines are important and more critical to the design when a wheelchair will be used at home. We can always plan around the possibility, but sometimes the needs for a wheelchair are more extensive than a walker or other mobility assisted equipment. We talk through the needs, which circle back to your goals for care.
I should wait until I’m retired to remodel
- There is absolutely no need to wait, as there are ways to work planning into the remodel without it being visible now. Backing for grab bars, cabinets that can be removed, layers of lighting, zero-threshold shower entry, outlets, plumbing rough-ins, door handles vs. knobs – the list goes on and on.
My house doesn’t allow for the space needed for aging in place
- Even if you feel like your space doesn’t allow for aging in place, I encourage the discussion so that you are able to remain in your home as long as you’re able.
How do aging in place design features, add value to the resale of my home?
Planning for future needs are a benefit to the next buyer, even if it were to be a single person or young family. Updated homes, mean less of an unknown expense for a future buyer as well. Some buyers will want a project, while others would like to have peace of mind that you’ve invested in a thoughtful professional design and installation. Homes that flow and feel organized, tend to bring in a higher return on investment.
Above items (and more) are considerations to weigh into your decision as you ponder a remodel for aging in place. I hope you found this article helpful!
If you’re considering a remodel to accommodate the ability to stay in your home longer, I would love to talk with you!
Image by Unsplash
