There are many factors that are driving the trend toward more people Aging-in-Place at home. First and foremost, people simply don’t want to leave their home if they can help it. Most people find the idea of staying in their home a far more appealing option than the alternative. Most people would rather alter their existing home to accommodate their changing needs as they age than move to an assisted living facility, downsize or relocate. It’s understandable that for many aging adults, the idea of leaving the place where they have built a life, a family, and a community of friends and neighbors is not appealing at all. The idea of moving can also be daunting, especially if we’re not feeling physically up to the task. In fact, the prospect of having to essentially start over and to re-establish oneself in a whole new environment can be downright overwhelming.
Yet, as we age, we are often faced with physical limitations or other challenges that make staying at home difficult, without modifications. However, Aging-in-Place design offers solutions that can help people achieve their deeply felt wish to stay at home.
Below we review a new custom home we designed for one of our clients that illustrates some of the Aging -in-Place kitchen and bathroom design features that enable people to stay in their homes but with improved accessibility, comfort, and safety.
Kitchen located on the main level of the home. This kitchen has built-in cabinetry that can not only hide small appliances and outlets behind closed doors, but also includes lower than countertop height drawers for ease of access from a wheelchair.
Appliances are situated within the center island and at a lower height for wheelchair access. Stovetop (not pictured) is an induction cooktop as a fire preventative safety feature. Only the pots intended for use will activate the heat, while a pot holder, should it accidentally fall onto the burner, would not. The rooms have wider doorways and enough turning room in the hallways for wheelchair turning.
This master bath features grab bars, variable height countertops, wheelchair accessible “roll-in” curbless shower and vanity, walk-in tub with fast fill/drain, lower electrical switches drawers and toilets, and non-slip flooring.
This pretty rustic-modern bath features a floating countertop for wheelchair “roll-in” room.
Now is a great time to remodel your bathroom or kitchen with Aging-In-Place features to support you comfortably now and into your future! Call us at (410) 643-4040 to make an appointment with our kitchen and bath designers and to view our showroom and consult with our experts to design the just-right features that will allow you to stay in your home indefinitely.