As we age, our homes must adapt to meet our changing needs. Creating an elder-friendly living space isn’t just about safety — it’s about maintaining independence, comfort, and quality of life.
Not everyone has the luxury of designing an entire house around their aging parents, as Jeff and Janet Bernard did at the Concord Cottage in season 25 of This Old House, but incorporating universal design principles can still make a significant difference. This article will explore several ideas for elder-friendly home design that can benefit residents of all ages and abilities.
Understanding the Principles of Universal Design for Home Modifications
Universal design is the foundation of elder-friendly home modifications. This approach focuses on creating environments that are usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. The goal is to simplify life for everyone by making products, communications, and the built environment more usable by as many people as possible at little or no extra cost.
For older adults, universal design principles can significantly improve safety, accessibility, and overall quality of life. According to the National Library of Medicine, these principles include:
- Equitable use
- Flexibility in use
- Simple and intuitive use
- Perceptible information
- Tolerance for error
- Low physical effort
- Size and space for approach and use
By incorporating these concepts into home design, we can create spaces that accommodate the needs of aging residents while remaining functional and appealing for all. Here are some tips on how to incorporate these principles into your home.
Creating Safe and Accessible Entryways for the Elderly
The entryway of a home is crucial for elder-friendly design, as it’s the transition point between the outside and the safety of the home. A well-designed entryway can prevent accidents and make coming and going easier for older adults.
Installing Proper Lighting
Adequate lighting is essential for safety in entryways. Poor visibility can lead to trips and falls, especially for those with declining eyesight. Install bright, glare-free lighting fixtures that illuminate the entire entryway area, including any steps or changes in elevation. Motion-sensor lights can be particularly helpful, automatically turning on when someone approaches the door.
Consider adding lighting along walkways leading to the entrance and ensuring that house numbers are well-lit and easily visible from the street. This will not only help with safety but also assist emergency responders in locating the home quickly if needed.
Adding Convenient Landing Places
Fumbling with keys, packages, or mail while trying to enter or exit a home can be challenging and potentially dangerous for older adults. To address this, incorporate a landing place near the entryway. This could be a small table, a bench with storage, or a built-in shelf.
In addition to providing lighting at entryways, be sure to have a table, bench, or other surface nearby for putting things down. This simple addition allows residents to set down items safely while unlocking the door or removing outerwear, reducing the risk of dropping items or losing balance.
Enhancing Mobility Throughout the Home
Mobility is a key concern for elder-friendly design. By making small changes throughout the home, you can significantly improve ease of movement and reduce the risk of accidents.
Upgrading Door Hardware
One simple yet effective modification is replacing traditional doorknobs with lever-style handles. This change can make a substantial difference for those with arthritis or limited hand strength.
When selecting lever handles, choose models with a return mechanism that prevents clothing from catching on the lever. Also, ensure that the levers are easy to grip and operate with minimal force.
Improving Flooring for Safety
Flooring plays a crucial role in home safety for older adults. The goal is to create surfaces that are slip-resistant and reduce the risk of trips and falls. Start by evaluating existing floors and making necessary adjustments:
- Remove or secure area rugs, which can be a major tripping hazard.
- If keeping area rugs, use non-slip mats underneath to prevent slipping.
- Choose low-pile carpeting for better traction and easier mobility for those using walkers or wheelchairs.
- Apply non-slip treatments to tile or hardwood floors in potentially wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
- Eliminate or reduce the height of thresholds between rooms to prevent tripping.
Designing Elder-Friendly Staircases
For homes with multiple levels, stairs can pose a significant challenge for older adults. However, with thoughtful design and modifications, staircases can be made safer and more accessible.
Proper Handrails
Handrails are an important aspect of stair safety. Ideally, handrails should be installed on both sides of the staircase to provide support and stability. When installing handrails, consider the following:
- Ensure handrails are securely anchored to the wall.
- Choose handrails with a comfortable grip diameter (typically 1.25 to 1.5 inches).
- Extend handrails beyond the top and bottom steps to provide support when transitioning on and off the stairs.
- Use contrasting colors for handrails to make them easily visible against the wall.
Remember, handrails aren’t just for stairs. Consider installing them in hallways and other areas where additional support might be needed.
Optimizing Stairway Lighting
Lighting is also critical, so make sure the entire stairway is well-lit from top to bottom. Here are some tips for optimizing stairway lighting:
- Install overhead lighting that illuminates the entire staircase evenly.
- Use motion-sensor lights to ensure the stairs are always well-lit when in use.
- Add lighting at the top and bottom of the stairs to clearly mark the beginning and end of the staircase.
- Consider installing LED strip lights along the edges of each step to improve visibility.
Adapting Bathrooms for Increased Safety for the Elderly
Bathrooms can be particularly hazardous for older adults due to slippery surfaces and the need for maneuvering in small spaces. By making these key modifications, you can significantly improve bathroom safety and accessibility.
Implementing Grab Bars
Grab bars are a fundamental safety feature in elder-friendly bathrooms. While many people think of grab bars only for showers and tubs, they can be beneficial in other areas as well. Think about adding grab bars by the toilet, too, or other places in the room where someone may need a helping hand.
When installing grab bars, consider these placement options:
- Next to the toilet for support when sitting down or standing up
- In the shower or tub area for stability while bathing
- Near the sink for balance while grooming
- Along walls in the bathroom for general support when moving around
Ensure that grab bars are properly anchored to wall studs and can support the full weight of an adult. Choose bars with a non-slip surface for a secure grip, even when wet.
Choosing Appropriate Fixtures
Selecting the right fixtures can make a significant difference in bathroom safety and usability for older adults. Consider some of the following options:
- Install a walk-in shower or a tub with a low threshold for easier entry and exit.
- Use a handheld showerhead for greater flexibility and ease of use while seated.
- Choose a comfort-height toilet, which is slightly taller than standard models, making it easier to sit down and stand up.
- Install single-handle faucets in sinks and showers to reduce the risk of scalding and make operation simpler.
Optimizing Lighting for Aging Eyes
As we age, our eyes require more light to see clearly. Proper lighting is critical not only for safety but also for maintaining independence and quality of life.
Illuminating High-Traffic Areas
In addition to entryways, ensure that all high-traffic areas in the home are well-lit to prevent accidents and improve navigation. This includes hallways, corridors, stairways, landings, living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens.
Incorporating Task Lighting
Task lighting is also important for activities that require focused visual attention. Incorporate task lighting in areas such as reading nooks or bedside seating, kitchen countertops, work areas, bathroom vanities, desks, or hobby areas.
Use adjustable lamps or under-cabinet lighting to provide direct illumination where needed. Ensure that task lighting is positioned to minimize glare and shadows, which can be particularly troublesome for aging eyes.
Our Conclusion
Creating an elder-friendly home environment is a thoughtful process that combines safety, accessibility, and comfort. By implementing universal design principles and focusing on key areas such as entryways, staircases, bathrooms, and lighting, you can significantly enhance the quality of life for older adults.
