Aging in Place
Age in place is common factor that an interior designer will face today among the older adult or retiree. Studies have shown that 77 percent of people retire in their own homes due to various reasons. Although many people would like to reside in their own home among retiring, their home often makes accessibility difficult and even dangerous when approaching old age. When a person plans to age in the home they live in you must consider their needs and wants of the present and future. As studies have shown people who look to retire in their home they still desire the luxury and enjoyment in a home, but also want to the safety and accessibility for their future needs.
Accomplishing an aging in place home
- place all primary living areas such as master bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, and living all on the downstairs level in multistory homes. With the primary living all on the downstairs level and only visiting guests upstairs it reduces maintenance and the need to travel upstairs.
- create as few step up and step downs as possible
- minimize furniture for getting around easier
- use color contrast to aid visual acuity
- install ramps to entryways
- widen doorways and hallways
- raise toilet seats and add grabs around toilets and showers
- walk in shower that can fit a wheelchair or provide built in seating
- short-pile carpet to prevent tripping
- slip resistant flooring
- automatic lighting when walking in a room
The truth is as we get older we lose mobility and typically become more dependent. With universal design interior designers now have the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives and give the elderly back some of their independence.
sources
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