If you’re building a one-story home for seniors or those with mobility issues, employing age-in-place house designs is essential. Comfort and accessibility in a single level home are achieved through thoughtful choices in design elements. Considerations include acceptable ramps or gentles slopes and widened doorways. The floor plan must fit the lifestyle and be equipped with the space and features required for an independent lifestyle. Age-In-Place House Designs for One-Story Homes
Modern age-in-place house designs for 2+ stories are becoming a common request. Planning steps for these multi-level homes should include adding an elevator or lift along with solutions for accessibility of areas on each floor. Home stairways and railings with the ability to adjust for ease of use should be incorporated. If the budget allows, an elevator may be the best solution for easy access to all levels, however, lifts may be more practical for a luxury home.Age-In-Place House Designs for Multi-Story Homes
Incorporating age-in-place construction techniques should include widened access, slip-free flooring, comfortable furnishings, and open floor plans. In the bedroom, there should be enough space for a wheelchair to move freely, and easy access to the closets. Integrated accessibility should also focus on adjustable countertops and sinks for wheelchair accessibility. Essential Age-In-Place House Design Elements
Designing a shower with the highest possible degree of accessibility should use slip-resistant material on the floor, grab rails, and a zero threshold entry. Minimize step heights with floating vanities and use comfort-height toilets to accommodate sitting down and standing up. Surveillance inside and outside the bathroom should also be part of the design elements.Designing an Accessible Bathroom for Age-In-Place House Designs
The kitchen is the prime center of efficiency in almost every home. Age-in-place house designs offer the ability to make the kitchen as efficient as possible. The accessibility of the counters, sinks, cabinets, and appliances should be considered in design. In addition to providing ADA compliant features, some seniors need larger handles on appliance doors for ease of use.Adding Kitchen Accessible Features in Age-In-Place House Designs
When planning outdoor gardens, walkways, and patio access for age-in-place house designs, illumination and unique Ground-Trac technology can be considered for ease of access. Ground-Trac is an innovative walkway paving system designed to assist seniors and those with mobility issues with access to the outdoors. While gardens should provide easy access to home areas, senior-safe deck and railing designs should also be taken into consideration.Use Age-In-Place House Design Strategies Outdoors Too
An age-in-place house design should maximize comfort inside and out without sacrificing safety. Using ultra-low radiant heating and adding features such as energy-efficient climate control and dimmer switches for lights, can make an age-in-place home more comfortable. Strategically placed windows provide maximum daylight and enough ventilation to regulate the temperature indoors. Making an Age-In-Place House Design Comfortable and Efficient
Universal design and age-in-place house design strategies go hand in hand. Unified designs feature ample space for accessibility without sacrificing the beauty and charm of the home. The design must also accommodate varying needs by providing adjustable elements to make the home more independent and livable.Incorporating Universal Design and Age-In-Place Home Design Strategies
Reasonable modifications to age-in-place house designs can be easy depending on the home’s structure. Ready access showers, brightly lit environments and wide hallways are just a few of the simple remodeling ideas that make living in a house easier for seniors. Remodeled age-in-place house designs must also consider the need for a cost-efficient and reliable serviceable environment.Age-In-Place House Design and Accessible Remodeling Ideas
Designing a home with access throughout begins with considerations for entryways and lobbies that provide wheelchair access. Wide enough hallways for room to maneuver and adequately sized bathrooms and bedrooms are essential for a livable age-in-place house design. Other considerations include the usable area, counter heights, and switch height requirements, all of which must meet ADA standards. These requirements ensure maximum independence for those living in the age-in-place house design. Accessibility Requirements for Age-In-Place House Designs