Aging in Place

Design today for tomorrow’s needs

The AARP has found that more than 80% of older Americans want to stay in their homes as they age. Simple changes in the home can make this dream a reality.

Lighting

Improve visibility with higher wattage bulbs and task lighting

Lighting

  • use higher wattage bulbs
  • add new fixtures at strategic locations
  • use down lights and non-glare lights

Circulation

  • create pathways through rooms
  • attend to uneven sidewalk-to-driveway joints
  • make sure interior flooring transitions do not pose a trip hazard
  • remove exposed cords, area rugs, mats
Hand railings

Inside or out, hand railings make mobility safer

Outside

  • well-lit entries and exterior stairs
  • hand rails for all stairs
  • lights on motion sensors
  • easy access to mailboxes
  • removal of slippery surfaces

General

  • Simple changes
    • phone in every room
    • sturdy, easy-to-use furniture (with solid arms)‏
      • lever type door knob

      Lever type door knobs are easier to grasp and turn

    • lever type door knobs
    • contrasting colors between floors and walls
    • increased volume on phone, doorbell, smoke/CO detectors
    • light switches and electrical outlets easy to reach
    • hand rails for all stairs
  • Moderate changes
    • laundry on main level
    • front-loading washer and dryer elevated on bases
  • Significant changes
    • visual or physical alerts on smoke / CO and burglar alarms (strobe / vibrate)‏
    • all major functional spaces have a medical alert button, or resident wears a medial alert pendant
Grab bars

Grab bars in the bathroom can do double duty as towel bars

Bathrooms

  • Simple changes
    • anti-slip surface in bath tubs and showers
    • lever faucets, anti-scald valves
    • hand-held shower nozzle
    • grab bars that look like towel bars
  • Moderate changes
    • elevated “comfort-height” toilet
    • 36″ high counter and vanity
    • seat in tub or shower
    • grab bars in bath and shower
    • telephone in the bathroom
  • Significant changes
    • knee spaces or roll-under vanities
    • roll-in shower with seat and grab bars
    • transfer space for walker or wheelchair outside shower
    • installation of a pull cord for to “life line”
Closet interior

Closet hardware can be moved to make items more easily accessible

Bedrooms

  • Simple changes
    • get rid of the clutter and potential fall hazards from around the bed
    • create pathways from bed to bathroom
  • Moderate changes
    • use main level bedroom for sleeping
    • closet rods at comfort level
    • night-lights to bathroom
  • Significant changes
    • adjustable beds
    • direct access and clear path to bathroom
    • light controls within reach
    • closet shelves 48″ high, maximum
Roll-out shelves

Roll-out shelves make reaching items in cabinets much easier

Kitchen

  • Simple changes
    • good task lighting and general lighting
    • appliances with front controls
    • easy-to-grip drawer and door pulls
    • lever-handled faucets
  • Moderate changes
    • contrasting colors and rounded edges on counters
    • raised appliances: dishwasher, wall ovens
    • microwave no higher than 48″
    • roll-out shelves for better access
  • Significant changes
    • knee space or roll under counter at sink
    • lower counter surface to 34″
    • upper cabinets lowered to 44–48″ above floor