The senior population in the U.S. is growing fast. According to the Administration of Community Living (ACL), people aged 65 and older represented 16% of the population in 2019 but are expected to grow to 21.6% of the population by 2040. Furthermore, the population of adults aged 85 and older is projected to double from 6.6 million in 2019 to 14.4 million in 2040 (a 118% increase).
As the American population grows, there will be an increasing need for eldercare: assisted living homes, nursing homes, and in-home caregivers through programs like FreedomCare.
Interestingly, three in four adults aged 18 and older want to age in place, i.e. spend their golden years in their own homes. However, only 1% of homes are conducive to aging in place.
That means if you are like the majority of American adults who want to age in place, you probably need to make some adjustments to your home design.
After all, as you get older, you are more likely to develop balance issues, reduced vision, reduced hearing, decreased mobility, reduced mental capabilities, and loss of strength or endurance—all of which can limit your ability to live in a regular house.
So here are seven home design tips to help prepare your property for aging in place:
1. Start with a comprehensive plan
The first step is to make a comprehensive plan. Think about your current health condition and health issues that are likely to impact you as you get older. Are you at high risk for any debilitating diseases like Alzheimer’s or dementia? Take these into consideration.
If you want to stay in your current home in your golden years, evaluate whether it lends itself to aging in place or if you will need to move. The next tips can help you in making that decision.
2. Rethink stairs
It’s no secret that elderly people have a harder time getting up and down stairs. So you may want to consider moving to a single-level home or installing a chair lift or elevator. This will help you stay mobile within your home even after your leg muscles start to fail.
3. Improve the lighting
As you age, your eyesight gets worse because less light reaches your retinas. So you’ll need more lights in your home to avoid falling and tripping.
There are many ways to include more light in your home: lamps, skylights, windows … Consider getting motion-sensor lights so you won’t have to worry about hard-to-reach light switches. It’s also a good idea to install energy-efficient LED light bulbs, so you don’t have to change them as often.
4. Think about heights
Humans tend to shrink as they age. In fact, men tend to lose about 1.2 to 1.5 inches by age 70, while women tend to lose 2 inches. Additionally, there’s a good chance you may end up in a wheelchair, which will make you significantly more vertically challenged.
That’s why you need to think about the heights of things in your home that you will need access to. For example, consider getting low shelves, cabinets, tables, nightstands, and a low-profile bed that’s easy to get in and out of. You might also consider getting height-adjustable desks and sinks.
5. Revamp the bathroom
When it comes to the bathroom, there are many renovations you should consider. Why? Because this is where slips and falls happen most often—where surfaces tend to be smooth and wet.
For example, consider getting a curbless shower with non-slip flooring to help prevent tripping. Add a hand-wand sprayer or an adjustable shower head as well as a fold-down shower seat, chair, or stool. Put faucet knobs at wheelchair height and grab bars in the bath, shower, and either side of the toilet. Such improvements will help make your bathroom much less dangerous as an elderly adult.
6. Take advantage of smart technology
These days, there are a host of smart technologies powered by the internet of things (IoT), which can help make your life as a senior easier.
For example, you can get a smart thermostat that automatically adjusts the temperature at night and day according to your custom preferences, smart locks that automatically lock your doors and can be opened remotely without a key, voice assistants that can play music and answer questions, smart lights that can be controlled through your voice, and smart home security systems that monitor and alert you to any suspicious activity.
Do some research and equip your home with smart technology now so you won’t have to later.
7. Redo the kitchen
Lastly, your kitchen may need a remodel as well. To make it easier to use and access, consider installing hands-free or easy-to-use facet levers. Also, consider adding more below-counter drawers and storage space. That way, you will have better access to kitchen utensils and appliances.
The bottom line
Aging in place can be a great way to spend the last years of your life. You get to stay in a familiar setting and avoid the hassle of moving. But it does take preparation. Homeowners who want to take this route, need to start planning now.
