Plan for the Future with Aging in Place

A new building philosophy is sweeping the homebuilding and remodeling business: aging in place. It is a building trend that takes into account the needs of older Americans when designing homes and remodels in order to help the aging population stay in their homes, and out of the home, as long as possible.

Aging in Place is not just for Seniors
While these age-conscious home remodels can be a godsend to seniors already struggling with poor home design, it's not a trend isolated to elderly customers. Far from it, aging in place has caught the attention of the baby boomer generation as well, and many homeowners in their 40s and 50s are already thinking ahead when it comes to designing homes and living spaces that they'll be able to enjoy and function in long into the future.

Aging in Place Design
The trick to successful age-conscious building and remodeling is thinking holistically when it comes to design. From doorknobs to residential elevators, universal design takes into account home design from the ground up in order to create the most accommodating and convenient atmosphere possible. Curious about the particulars? Here's a few of the most popular, and important, suggestions to help make your home a place you'll continue to enjoy long past retirement.

• Single Story Living—One cornerstone of aging in place design is making sure that all necessities are accessible from a single floor. At the very least that means making sure a bedroom, bath, and kitchen are all present on the ground floor. The one exception to the rule: installing a residential elevator. Do that and you've transformed your multi-story home to single floor living in one fowl sweep.

• Stairless Homes and Entryways—Why is a single floor home so important to universal design? Because it eliminates the need to go up and down stairs. A single stair can become a serious obstacle as we age, so in general the less stairs you have in your home, the better. And when it comes to your home's entryway, eliminate steps altogether. Your front door, porch, or entryway is your gateway to the outside world and a way in for friends and family. The key to continued independence in old age is having access to that portal. Removing stairs from the equation ensures that you will be able to come and go as long as you please.
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• Age Sensitive Remodels—Think universal design any time you shell out for a major remodel. Take your kitchen, for example. Replace traditional ovens with wall or lift models so that bending over to retrieve food becomes a thing of the past. Install countertops at varying heights so you can prepare food both standing up and sitting down, and be sure to include task lighting over the stove and countertops, since failing eyesight can present serious difficulties for you later in life.

• Other Suggestions—Rocker light switches, door handles instead of doorknobs, railings in hallways and bathrooms, and wider door openings and hallways throughout the home, are just a few of things you might want to consider if aging in place sounds like something you're interested in.

Aging in Place Specialists
Aging in place is so popular these days that many professional designers and contractors now specialize in this budding design trend. To get help designing and building the perfect home to meet all your needs as you grow older, talk to an aging in place specialist about where the best place to start is.

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