“Aging in place” is a concept that took root in the 1990s. Up until that time, as adults entered their twilight years, their living options were typically limited to nursing homes, or if at home, in a retro-fitted space that had been altered to accommodate the various needs that come with old age, such as a walker or wheelchair.
Today, the concept of aging in place, which means living out one’s life in the comfort of one’s own home, is more widely accepted and arguably the preferred way to grow old. If it’s a beloved home in which someone has lived for decades, aging in place may mean the installation of an elevator to navigate between floors, or renovating the most widely used spaces, like bathrooms and the kitchen, to provide safety in navigation and ease of use. Some seniors may build a home that is designed from the ground up with aging in place as the foundation for all design decisions.
Whether your client is seeking an aging-in-place renovation or you’re starting from scratch, here are some essential design facets for key spaces in the home.
Kitchen Components
Undoubtedly one of the most heavily used areas of the home, a well-thought-out kitchen design is a must at any stage in life. As we age, however, some seemingly small yet essential decisions can be the difference between happiness and headaches.
Flooring and Lighting
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that “more than one in four older adults report experiencing a fall each year. In 2023, 41,400 individuals aged 65 and older died as a result of preventable falls, and over 3.5 million were treated in emergency departments due to fall-related injuries.” One crucial way to curb fall potential is by selecting non-slip flooring. Whereas sleek, smooth hardwoods may have been ideal at one point, opting for non-slip surfaces or applying a non-slip coating to smooth surfaces is wise for the aging population. Additionally, incorporating an abundance of lighting and accessible switches upon entry to a room aids in navigating potential obstacles that may be on the floor.
Counters and Hardware
Counters with sharp edges should be replaced with smooth, rounded edges. Additionally, if the homeowner is in a wheelchair, a lower counter height is beneficial for navigating kitchen prep spaces.
In terms of hardware, look for easy-to-grab, ergonomic handles and drawer pulls. Consider placement, as well, ensuring the height is within reach.
Appliances
Similar to the hardware decisions, many modern premium and luxury appliance brands have ergonomic handles that facilitate ease of use. Particularly on refrigerators and ovens, rounded and easy-to-grab hardware is easier to access, particularly when the homeowner may be dealing with things like arthritis or limited muscle strength.
Often, as we age, the mind may not be as sharp as it once was. For utmost safety, smart appliances that have heat sensors and auto-shut-off features are a wise investment.
In terms of accessibility, there are some tasteful and impactful decisions that make a world of difference for someone with limited mobility or strength. For example, drawer microwaves are lower to the ground and can be easily accessed by someone in a wheelchair. And a pot filler over the range makes putting a pot on to boil that much easier versus carrying the heavy pot from the sink to the stove.
Featured image above is microwave drawer from Signature Kitchen Suite.
Pantry Pointers
Whether your client has a walk-in or cabinet-style pantry, there are some key decisions that make access to the staples much simpler. Features such as pull-out shelves and shallow drawers make storage and organization a snap. Lighting, also, can make a world of difference, particularly for those who struggle with aging eyesight.
The pantry is another space where ergonomic handles and hardware are helpful. Also, lowering cabinetry to provide essentials within reach is wise.
If the space calls for it, installing grab bars can be an essential safety move. By providing an added balance aide to use while reaching for items, you’re lowering the risk of falls and ensuring added safety for the homeowner.
Laundry List
Finally, laundry is part of life no matter what your age. Ensuring the laundry room is both accessible and set up for easy navigation for the aging homeowner is a game-changer. Front-loading appliances are essential for those who use a wheelchair, and slip-resistant flooring is a key safety choice as well. Incorporating features like lowered cabinets for storage (with ergonomic handles, of course!) and a counter space for folding fresh laundry eliminates the need to haul armloads of clothing all over the house.
When your clients are ready to select the ideal appliances for their home, our friendly sales professionals are ready to help. Send them to Friedman’s Appliances, where we can help them make the best selections for any stage in life.