Between financial considerations, a competitive housing market, and the desire to live independently, more homeowners than ever before are choosing to “age in place”—when a person lives in their home for as long as they wish or are able to—rather than downsize or move into a senior or assisted living community. With the right home modifications that prioritize universal and functional design, homeowners can not only survive but thrive in their homes for years, or even decades, to come.
Principles of universal design
When talking about aging in place, a phrase often used is “universal design,” the design and composition of an environment so that it can be accessed, understood, and used to the greatest extent possible by all people regardless of their age, size, ability, or disability, according to the Centre for Excellence in Universal Design. (1) Universal design is guided by seven core principles (2):
- Equitable use: The design works well for people of all abilities, so every member of the household can use and enjoy the space with ease.
- Flexibility in use: The design adapts to different preferences and needs, giving homeowners options in how they move through and use each space.
- Simple and intuitive use: Every space is designed to feel intuitive, so it’s simple to use no matter someone’s age, background, or familiarity with the home.
- Perceptible information: Important features and information like switches, signage or room layout are easy to see and understand, in any lighting or for any user.
- Tolerance for error: The design reduces risks and helps prevent accidents, so small missteps don’t lead to bigger problems.
- Low physical effort: Everyday tasks and movement throughout the home require minimal effort, so spaces feel comfortable rather than tiring.
- Size and space for approach and use: Hallways, doorways, and living spaces are thoughtfully sized to give everyone regardless of height, mobility or how they move plenty of room to get around comfortably.
Home modifications for aging in place
These universal design principles can be applied to every space in your home. As you’re planning your new build or remodel, consider the following home modifications that make it easier to age in place safely and securely.
Exterior-to-interior transition
- Zero-step entries: There are no steps or raised thresholds between exterior and interior spaces in zero-step entry homes. Entryways are completely flush with the ground outside, minimizing the risk of trips and falls.
- Heated driveways and heated walkways: Heating systems built underneath pavement eliminate the need to shovel and salt driveways and walkways. Using sensors to detect low temperatures and moisture, snow and ice melt automatically to prevent slips and falls.
- Extra-wide garages: Extra-wide garages ensure there is enough space for homeowners to navigate around vehicles, even with mobility aids like canes, walkers, and wheelchairs in tow.
- Motion-activated lighting: Motion-activated lighting offers a hands-free option to illuminate walkways and porches at night, improving visibility to reduce falls.
Throughout the home
- One-level living: A one-level home layout prioritizes aging in place by removing stairs from the floor plan entirely. Another option is main-level living, where all of the main living spaces—such as the primary suite, kitchen and dining area, and laundry room—are on the same floor for easy home access.
- Extra-wide hallways and doorways: When building for aging in place, hallways should be 36 to 42 inches wide, while doorways should be 32 to 36 inches wide. This allows for wheelchairs to easily pass through.
- Smart home technology: The more home systems that can be automated with smart technology, the better. Automated lighting, video doorbells, and smart locks help improve safety, while smart thermostats, motorized blinds, and voice assistants add convenience to everyday living.
- Lever door handles and rocker light switches: Opt for lever door handles instead of knobs and rocker light switches rather than traditional ones, both of which are easier to operate for those with poor hand strength and mobility.
- Hard surface flooring: Flooring materials like luxury vinyl plank, cork, and engineered hardwood are safer than carpet, which can become a tripping hazard.
Primary suite
- Zero-entry shower: A curbless design allows homeowners to walk directly into the shower without any leg-lifting to prevent tripping. The shower should also be outfitted with a grab bar, bench, and handheld showerhead.
- Non-slip flooring: Flooring options like textured tiles, matte finishes, and smaller tile dimensions all offer a better grip underfoot to reduce slipping.
- Heated floors: Beyond the coziness heated floors add to a bathroom—especially during a cold Minnesota winter—they also improve circulation.
- Custom closet: A walk-in closet designed with adjustable rods, pull-down racks, and open shelving make it easier to see and access clothes and other accessories, even from a seated position.
Kitchen
- Multi-height countertops: When countertops are installed at various heights, food preparation can be achieved in both standing and seated positions.
- Drawer storage: Improve access to everyday kitchen supplies like pots and pans, utensils, and plates by storing them in fully extendable drawers rather than cabinets. Also, swap knobs, which can be harder to grasp, with handles or pulls.
- Task lighting: Ample under-cabinet and task lighting improves visibility, keeping food prep–related injuries to a minimum.
- Low-maintenance materials: When it comes to low-maintenance countertop materials, quartz is a popular choice. It’s stain- and scratch-resistant, easy to clean, and never requires sealing.
- Appliance considerations: Simplify food prep and minimize injuries with appliances that prioritize ease of use, such as microwave drawers, side-opening wall ovens, cooktops with front-mounted controls, and touch-activated faucets.
How to find the right builder to execute an aging-in-place home design
When looking for a housing industry professional to build or adapt your forever home for aging in place, make sure they are a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS), a professional credential program that teaches the technical, business management, and customer service skills necessary to serve this demographic. As a CAPS builder, the team at City Homes has gone through extensive training to guide our clients in building or remodeling safe, secure homes that incorporate universal design elements for successfully aging in place. (1) https://universaldesign.ie/about-universal-design (2) https://universaldesign.ie/about-universal-design/the-7-principles
