15 Aging-in-Place Home Design Ideas

 People typically want to stay in their own home as they get older. While this is a good goal, sometimes a home can work against this and become a barrier. This is a good thing to address before you really need to.

As an architecture firm in the Bay Area, we have a number of consultations with homeowners about long-term living situations and design. Here are 15 design ideas for making your home more friendly, safer, and more comfortable for long-term living.

Think About the Long-Term Prior to a Crisis

Aging-in-place home design does not mean you are designing a hospital. It means you are using Universal Design techniques. With this technique, you are basically creating a design that works for people from all age groups and abilities.

It is always beneficial to get experts involved to help make your house more accessible for your long-term needs. An occupational therapist can help observe the movement of people within the home to help identify obstacles that may cause accidents. An architect can create a plan to help integrate the recommendations into the home. It is always best to get the plan to cover the entire house instead of piecemeal.

Entryway, Doors, and Circulation

Falls are often caused by the smallest of obstacles, like a step at an entrance to the home.

Create a Step-Free Entry

A gently sloped walkway or a flush threshold helps all users, including delivery people and carts. A rise of 1 inch over 12 feet is a good measure for ramp slope as suggested by the ADA.

Widen Doorways and Hallways

Aim for a minimum of 36 inches for doorways to provide adequate clearance for the passage of a wheelchair or walker.

Swap Knobs for Levers

Lever-style door handles are better for weak or stiff arms, and are better to use when arms are full, like with groceries.

Locate a Bedroom and Bath on the Main Level

A first-floor bathroom and bedroom makes the difference for a family to stay living in their home.

Bathrooms, Kitchens, and Laundry

These rooms see the most use in a home and are the most dangerous rooms due to the potential for falls.

Create a Barrier-Free Shower

A walk-in shower, a shower bench, and a handheld showerhead is a safer shower option compared to a tub.

Add Grab Bar Blocking

Wall space can be reserved now for later installation of grab bars.

Other Changes

Flooring can be upgraded for a better, safer grip.

Layer Lighting. Brighter lighting is needed as eyes age. Combine bright general lighting with task lights and add motion-sensor lights in bathrooms and hallways.

Start with the Basics. A programmable thermostat, video doorbell, and smart lock simplify daily tasks and help family members check in on each other.

Make your stairways safer. Add good handrails on both sides, and light them up. If stairs are unavoidable, allow for the future installation of a stair lift or residential elevator.

Flexible Living for the Long Term

Expect changes to your needs and the ability of your home to adapt to those changes.

Add an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). Depending on your local laws, this can house a relative, provide income, and keep the main house in the family. When planning additional dwelling unit plans, accessibility and long-term living needs can be considered from the beginning.

Garage Conversions. Consider converting your garage to an accessible suite to house extended family.

Adapt a Room. Turn a bedroom into an office, or adapt a room for a caregiver’s use. The best time to plan for this is during a major remodeling of the home. These types of home remodels and additions can make it easier to adapt a home as needs change.

For homeowners considering modern ADU designs, an architect can help integrate an accessible ADU into the overall property while considering the needs of the household.

Where to Start

Start with the changes that eliminate the biggest daily frustrations. Make a plan to phase changes so that each subsequent change doesn't open the same wall twice.

Sometimes it is a good idea to get a designer involved before you hire a builder. Many home modifications to allow for aging in place involve changes to the structure and plumbing of a house, as well as obtaining permits, and a good plan ensures that the work is safe and compliant with the codes. An early feasibility study can show you what your lot and layout will allow, and help you decide on options before you spend money on design.

If you are interested in pursuing ways to ensure your home is suitable for you to age in place, we can help you through the entire process, from first sketches to overseeing construction, with firsthand knowledge of permitting in the Bay Area. To schedule a free consultation at Dwelling Lab, please click the link below. Let us help you create the home where you can stay forever.

For homeowners considering an ADU as part of their long-term living plans, working with an adu architect san francisco can help address accessibility, design, permitting, and the relationship between the existing home and the new space.