At Stearns Design Build, we specialize in aging-in-place design, ensuring that homes remain comfortable and functional for the long term. We’re currently engaged in a whole-home remodel focused on this very goal.
Many of our clients seek to make their spaces livable and usable for as long as possible, allowing them to stay in their homes as they age. This aligns perfectly with our company’s philosophy: we aim to ensure our clients’ happiness and comfort for as long as possible. Studies have shown that quality of life significantly decreases when people move to assisted living or nursing homes. Therefore, we aim to keep our clients in their homes as long as possible. Fortunately, we incorporate several design features to enhance livability and accessibility, and we’ll explore some of the most common ones here.
Roll-in showers
These barrier-free showers have become extremely popular in recent years, and it’s easy to see why—they’re one of the top requests in bathroom remodeling from our clients of all ages. Roll-in showers not only look great but also offer outstanding functionality. They have no curb or step-up, making them easy to enter. While those with full mobility can step in without any issue, the design becomes crucial as we age and lifting our legs becomes more difficult. Additionally, traditional shower curbs pose significant challenges for wheelchair users. Roll-in showers are accessible, allowing everyone to enjoy a comfortable and independent bathing experience.
Hand-held shower heads
Unlike wall or ceiling-mounted shower heads that require users to move their bodies to the water, hand showers allow users to direct the water where needed. This feature simplifies showering for those with limited mobility. Hand showers are typically mounted on a slider bar, which can be adjusted to the desired height, maintaining the functionality of a traditional shower head. This flexibility makes showering more accessible and more comfortable as we age.
Smaller floor tiles in showers
We do this to increase the amount of grout on the floor. Grout lines add grip, reducing the risk of falls, a significant concern, especially in showers. Small-format or mosaic tiles, combined with a matte finish, provide additional grip and safety. Polished tiles can become dangerously slippery when wet, so opting for matte finishes and grout lines helps create a safer shower environment.
Small yet impactful changes
When selecting cabinet hardware, choose pulls over knobs. As we age, our dexterity decreases, and knobs can be difficult to grasp and turn. On the other hand, pulls require less precise movements; users only need to slide their fingers behind the pull and push or pull. Wider pulls offer more space for fingers, making them easier to use.
Choosing the right door hardware is also crucial. Lever handles are a better option than doorknobs, as they require less effort to operate. Users push down on the lever to open the door, avoiding the need for intricate gripping or twisting motions. In emergencies, such as fires, easy-to-use door handles ensure quick and safe exit access, enhancing overall safety.
Widening Doorways
When designing new doors and doorways, we aim for a width of 36 inches to meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements, allowing enough room for wheelchairs to pass through comfortably. This width also accommodates walkers. Accessibility to crucial areas like bathrooms and bedrooms can often determine whether someone can continue living at home. While widening doorways to 36 inches is only sometimes possible due to architectural constraints, we strive to widen them as much as feasible, typically between 30-32 inches.
Lighting
As we age, our eyesight naturally diminishes. In fact, a 70-year-old typically requires four times more light than a 20-year-old to see just as well. This makes proper lighting crucial in an aging-in-place home design. To address this, we incorporate various lighting solutions. Ceiling fans with integrated light fixtures are added to both living spaces and bedrooms for enhanced visibility and comfort. Additionally, we install recessed lighting throughout the home to ensure ample illumination in all areas. Good lighting not only improves safety but also enhances the overall livability of the home.
These are just a few ways we make homes more aging-in-place friendly. Many other features can enhance the ease and comfort of living in your home for longer. Importantly, you don’t have to sacrifice aesthetics for functionality. These changes will help keep you in your home longer and happier, our ultimate goal for our clients.
