What exactly does aging in place look like for your family? In short, it means designing your home in a way that allows you to live there independently as you grow older. Many aging adults face the likelihood of senior housing because their homes aren’t built to accommodate their needs, and this is where aging-in-place design can create an opportunity to stay where you are. Homebuilders can incorporate a variety of features to ensure older adults have the ability to stay in their homes.
At North Homes, we recommend following these tips to accommodate aging in place.
1). Build An Accessible Bathroom
To provide protection from serious slips and falls, build a zero-threshold walk-in shower with features such as shower rails and a seat, which can help with balance and make it easier for adults who have difficulty standing on their own. As for the shower floor, consider installing a non-slip shower tile, which has high resistance against water and requires minimal maintenance.
2). Incorporate Smart Home Technology
Smart home technology includes appliances and devices such as the refrigerator, thermostat, door locks, lights, washing machines, and home security systems. These amenities can be remotely controlled from a smartphone, which provides greater convenience for older adults who may not be able to get up as easily to adjust the thermostat or door locks. It’s beneficial for immediate family members as well, who can use the technology to monitor their older relatives if they prefer.
3). Install More Lighting
It’s natural for your eyesight to worsen as you become older, so it’s important to install more lighting. Place them in areas that tend to be darker than others such as the bathroom, hallways, and kitchen. You can install them as overhead lighting or in a unique way by adding lights along your stairs or under cabinets in your kitchen.
4). Minimize The Number Of Steps
Opt for a one-story floor plan to fully limit the number of steps in your home. This can also be further minimized by building entryways without stairs and installing zero threshold doorways. You can install these entryways with a ramp or a slope-like walkway, but make sure to use non-slip floor material if you do decide to incorporate a ramp.
Creating an age-friendly house may seem a little overwhelming, but the right home builder in Indiana can build an accommodating house without a compromise in style. If you’d like to learn more about North Home’s process and what Indiana aging in place looks like for you, contact us here to get started!