Aging in Place Design Solutions
Aging in place is about choice – a person chooses to stay in their desired habitation for as long as possible with the comforts important to them. And for most people reaching senior status, that means staying in their current home. According to AARP’s 2021 Home and Community Preferences Survey: A National Survey of Adults Age 18-Plus, three-quarters of people over 50 want to remain in their current homes or communities for as long as possible.
“People’s needs change over time, and we want our residential clients to have a home that will easily adapt in the future so that they can live comfortably in their homes at every age,” says Joanna Wasilewska, CEO & Creative Director of M4 Interiors and a Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS).
Listening to a client’s concerns and being perceptive to what they need but may not yet recognize is important to the planning process. Below are some solutions that M4 Interiors implements for aging-in-place clients.
Space planning solutions
A creative interior and space designer can create efficient flow in a home by reconfiguring spaces or redesigning rooms for a new purpose. For example, by reimaging the main floor’s layout, a second-floor bedroom can be moved to the first floor and a bathroom added to avoid stair climbing. “We often see opportunities that the homeowner cannot because they have lived with their current home design for many years,” says Wasilewska. “We bring a fresh perspective and the experience to create a new vision.”
Design and style solutions
When an interior designer transforms a home into an aging-in-place environment, style and design need not be sacrificed. Many helpful products are beautifully designed and are not “just” for senior lifestyles. From easy-to-grip door handles to toe-kick lights and vacuum dispensers to curbless showers, many aging-in-place design solutions blend seamlessly into a home’s current décor and are appreciated by visitors of all ages. Color and lights can also be used to designate specific areas in the home or brighten a home to make nighttime navigation easier.
Technology solutions
Interior designers can seamlessly incorporate technology solutions into a home. Smart home technology offers total control over a home’s systems, including HVAC, security, and entertainment systems, from any room. Motion and voice controls eliminate the need to operate switches by hand or walk far to make changes. And just as important are stations throughout the home for I-pads or mobile phones to ensure that residents can dial in for help or virtual companionship.
Aging-in-place solutions give homeowners a newfound sense of comfort, safety and ease. Smart homeowners learn about their design options in advance to make choices before they are imperative. With the help of an experienced aging-in-place interior designer, a home can continue to service its loyal occupants for years to come.