Many multitude want to continue to savour their own home as they get old . This is a clock time when empty nesters canrepurpose Kid ' roomsand retrofit them for hobbies , guests , and grandkids . handiness , mobility , and comfort are all top priorities , though renovation that report for these might not all fit within your budget or the layout limitation of your home . To make the most of independent living , internal design experts suggest focusing on five key aspects to make your forever home .
1. Rethink Stairs
A single - trading floor domicile might not fathom statuesque , but it is a impudent choice for household plan to mature in place . If you ’re purchasing a home , consider aranch - style housethat does n’t have exterior stairs from the pavement or private road .
If you have a multi - unwavering home , you ’ll call for to address stairs . Install a electric chair cosmetic surgery or debate an elevator . With new applied science , installing an lift does not have to spell an extensive renovation . Robin Wilson , a leading expert on sustainable design , read many of her client repurpose a pelage cupboard or other subsist space . " They select one of the newer lift that are hydraulic or pneumatic . These newer models are able to be instal in a few days and some even use a regular electric mercantile establishment , " she says .
2. Get Smart about Lighting
increase visibility in your home can help enhance mobility and keep down tripping hazards . " As we age , less light reaches our retinas , so we need more lighting in our surround to void declension and other accidents , " says Lisa M. Cini , an award - win elderly animation design expert . Incorporate lamp , add skylights , and keep windowpane discussion airy to let in plenty of light .
Cini says motion sensor kindling is perfect for cupboard , hallway , and independent rooms . LEDs under the bathroom counter or console and over the bathroom vanity can also provide ideal night kindling . This flaccid lighting does n’t touch circadian cycle or sopor pattern .
Additionally , ensure exterior pathways are well - lit by installing solar light source ormotion sensors with spot .
Credit: Anthony Masterson
3. Plan for Adjustable Heights
choose for tallness - adjustable ware , like desk for reading and accessible sinks for the kitchen . Adjustable kitchen cabinets and countertop are another practical way to ensure that every penis of your home , disregardless of geezerhood , can access backbreaking - to - reach spaces .
contribute step stools with banister by beds and in closets . Cini commend a bed that is 21 inch tall as it ’s the optimum height for simplicity of getting in and out . She also articulate to verify the nightstand is accessible from the layer and large enough to entertain glasses , medicinal drug , and water . If the existing heirloom are n’t a practiced tantrum , go for advanced overbed or swing - sleeve board .
4. Focus on the Bathroom
expert place the most emphasis on retrofitting bathroom when it come to designing for aging in place because this is where slips and fall are most likely to pass off . Wilson advises installing acurbless showerwith a paw wand . This allows a wheelchair or walker safely into the cascade so that elders can bathe alone for longer . " The trick is to ensure that the story slop a bit more with a deep shower pan , " Wilson says .
Shower flooringmust be non - slip and shower pommel should be at wheelchair height . Both Cini and Walker agree that a hand wand or spray is an easy increase that add together long - term functionality . Add grab bars for the exhibitor , toilet , and area over the toilet . " If you choose a tub , prime one that you may get into easily with a side - control board threshold , " says Cini .
5. Take Advantage of Technology
Explore today ’s extensive chain of smart home upgrades to improve the safety and efficiency of your household . " The newest aging - in - stead technology can incorporate a safe and discreet detector in the floor , alarm if someone falls , or it can simply turn on the lights once feet hit the flooring , " she says .
Other engineering , like an automatic shut - off for the stove , prevent cooking accidents and render an added layer of safety . There are also various chic - home engineering that swear on voice commands , which can alleviate everything from calling neighbors to ordering foodstuff . To age safely and comfortably at home plate , embrace wise - home technologyto help ease the strong-arm and mental burden of daily tasks .
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