About 76% of Americans aged 50 and above admit they prefer to stay in their current homes as they age, according to AARP. Aging in place improves health and boosts happiness for seniors, primarily when isolation concerns are addressed. However, as you age, lose strength, agility, and mobility, the design of your home can be an irritant and sometimes dangerous. Fortunately, there are innovative and unique design ideas to consider during renovations to ensure your home is safe and comfortable as you age.
Walk-in Bath Tubs for Seniors
Upgrading the bathroom to meet the needs of the elderly is critical. Bathrooms are not only hard to navigate for aging adults but also a cause of nonfatal injuries because of the slippery surfaces and ceramic flooring. While fitting a traditional bathtub sounds ideal, seniors don’t enjoy the luxury. A typical tub requires you to step over to get in, something that may pose a danger for the elderly. Instead, think of installing walk-in tubs designed for seniors.
Walk-in tubs come with great additions, such as shower rails and seats that facilitate balance and support for aging adults with difficulty standing. Besides safety, there are other reasons why walk-in tubs are worthwhile. They promote independence; seniors can bathe without assistance and enjoy calm, therapeutic, and luxurious baths.
Aging in Place Kitchen Designs
When remodeling a kitchen for aging in place, ease of use and safety should be top priorities. Therefore, install cabinets you can reach without straining and adjust the height of the sink or install a roll under sink for those that use a wheelchair. To enhance safety, adjust the lighting in areas that need better illumination, for instance, over sinks to avoid burning on a stove or cutting yourself when chopping vegetables. Opt for softer flooring like anti-fatigue mats because they are gentler on joints and make standing while preparing meals or washing dishes comfortable.
Flooring Options for Aging Adults
The best flooring materials for seniors guarantee ease of travel, cushion, comfort, hassle-free cleaning and maintenance, and slip resistance. From the wide variety of floor options, you can choose cork, carpeting, vinyl, rubber, linoleum, bamboo, laminate, or hardwood. However, each floor quality will vary depending on room functionality. For example, bathrooms require slip-resistant floors. On the other hand, hallways need floors aging adults can travel on with ease.
Designing your home with aging in place designs improves comfort, safety, and accessibility, which contributes to healthy and happy lifestyles. But before you can start your remodeling project, test your needs and design ideas. Also, consult a professional contractor to help come up with unique designs that fit your budget.