Aging-in-Place Resolutions for the New Year
How to make your home help you age gracefully right where you are
According to AARP, formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons, 90 percent of Americans want to age in their own homes. Unfortunately, about 90 percent of American homes are not designed to facilitate comfortable, secure aging. (Maybe you discovered this during a recent sports injury recuperation.)
Here are some resolutions you can make to help your own home facilitate aging, whether for your long-term needs, for a live-in relative or for the safety of your guests.
More New Year's Design Resolutions: Healthier Kitchen | Kitchen Planning
Here are some resolutions you can make to help your own home facilitate aging, whether for your long-term needs, for a live-in relative or for the safety of your guests.
More New Year's Design Resolutions: Healthier Kitchen | Kitchen Planning
AIP Resolution No. 2: I will make entering my home more convenient.
You want your entry to speak eloquently to the style of your home, as this one does.
Even with a few stairs, an entry can be more user-friendly for vistors or residents bearing groceries, gifts, luggage and the like. Consider a bench, ledge or outdoor-friendly table on which someone can rest their packages to reach keys and door knob.
In this handsome space, there is space for a resting spot on the hinge side of the door.
You want your entry to speak eloquently to the style of your home, as this one does.
Even with a few stairs, an entry can be more user-friendly for vistors or residents bearing groceries, gifts, luggage and the like. Consider a bench, ledge or outdoor-friendly table on which someone can rest their packages to reach keys and door knob.
In this handsome space, there is space for a resting spot on the hinge side of the door.
AIP Resolution No. 3: I will make my staircase safer.
The well-secured runner on this elegant staircase is a positive step in the aging-in-place status of this home. It will most likely keep people from slipping on the glossy wood treads.
Also, consider adding stairway lighting with a two-way switch at the top and bottom and a matching handrail along the wall.
The well-secured runner on this elegant staircase is a positive step in the aging-in-place status of this home. It will most likely keep people from slipping on the glossy wood treads.
Also, consider adding stairway lighting with a two-way switch at the top and bottom and a matching handrail along the wall.
Residential Elevators
AIP Resolution No. 4: I will plan for future years.
Most multi-story homes don't have, or need, elevators, but if your master bedroom is upstairs and you develop a mobility issue, an elevator can be a resource. It's not inexpensive to add one, but neither is relocating to assisted living.
If you're building a custom multi-level home you intend to live in indefinitely, ask your architect to plan space for an elevator so that it will be easier to add later if you need one.
Most multi-story homes don't have, or need, elevators, but if your master bedroom is upstairs and you develop a mobility issue, an elevator can be a resource. It's not inexpensive to add one, but neither is relocating to assisted living.
If you're building a custom multi-level home you intend to live in indefinitely, ask your architect to plan space for an elevator so that it will be easier to add later if you need one.
AIP Resolution No. 5: I will reduce trip hazards in my home.
Table lamps are elegant additions to a living room and a great way to add reading light in a study. Just be absolutely certain that their cords are not crossing a walkway and creating a trip hazard.
Scatter rugs can also present trip hazards, so consider eliminating those if you have vision, balance or mobility issues.
Table lamps are elegant additions to a living room and a great way to add reading light in a study. Just be absolutely certain that their cords are not crossing a walkway and creating a trip hazard.
Scatter rugs can also present trip hazards, so consider eliminating those if you have vision, balance or mobility issues.
Traditional Bathroom Faucets And Showerheads
AIP Resolution No. 6: I will increase my lever-age.
Levers are much easier for older hands to operate than knobs or cross-handles, especially for those suffering from Parkinson's or arthritis.
Replace your door knobs, cabinet hardware and faucets with lever-handled versions for greater accessibility and absolutely no loss of style.
Levers are much easier for older hands to operate than knobs or cross-handles, especially for those suffering from Parkinson's or arthritis.
Replace your door knobs, cabinet hardware and faucets with lever-handled versions for greater accessibility and absolutely no loss of style.
AIP Resolution No. 7: I will add accessible seating to my kitchen.
Hopping up on a barstool is easy when you're an athletic 20-something. It's not so easy for many seniors. Having counter height (better) or table height (best) seating makes older users more comfortable and safer. It's also a boon for anyone visiting or moving into your home in a wheelchair.
If you're planning to add an island or remodel your kitchen for long-term living, consider accessible seating as part of your plan.
Hopping up on a barstool is easy when you're an athletic 20-something. It's not so easy for many seniors. Having counter height (better) or table height (best) seating makes older users more comfortable and safer. It's also a boon for anyone visiting or moving into your home in a wheelchair.
If you're planning to add an island or remodel your kitchen for long-term living, consider accessible seating as part of your plan.
Pantry Cabinet | CliqStudios.com
AIP Resolution No. 8: I'll get rolling.
Roll-out trays, swing-outs, Lazy Susans and other "pull-forward" cabinet accessories are much easier for aging backs and eyes to use. They also greatly enhance the storage capacity of your kitchen by making the deep recesses of your cabinets more accessible.
More: The No-Threshold Shower
Creating a Home That Works for Everyone
See More Universal Design Ideas
Roll-out trays, swing-outs, Lazy Susans and other "pull-forward" cabinet accessories are much easier for aging backs and eyes to use. They also greatly enhance the storage capacity of your kitchen by making the deep recesses of your cabinets more accessible.
More: The No-Threshold Shower
Creating a Home That Works for Everyone
See More Universal Design Ideas
Stairs create a grand entrance for your home, but aren't so grand for visitors or residents using wheelchairs or walkers. Consider a zero-barrier entry to your home and at least one accessible ground floor bathroom.
Not only will this make your home more visitable, it will also assist you should an older relative with mobility issues move in, or if you sustain a sports injury that precludes stair climbing during your recuperation.
On a related note, zero-threshold showers are also recommended for aging in place.