What is the Best Home Design for Aging in Place?

As you think about the next place you are going to live, you probably want to be able to stay in that place for as long as possible. If you go through the custom home building process, for example, you’ll want to make sure the design you settle on is going to allow you to stay there comfortably for many years to come. This article will touch on some of the key points for a home that allows residents to gracefully age in place.

 

One of the leading home builders Greensboro has to offer, R & K Custom Homes has built an excellent reputation throughout the region. Reach out today to learn more or to get your project started.

 

An Obvious Starting Point

When people think about building a home where they can age in place, it usually starts with finding a plan that doesn’t have any stairs – or has as few stairs as possible. This makes a ton of sense, of course. Stairs can be difficult, and even dangerous, for older individuals to navigate day after day. A home should be a comfortable, relaxing place to be, and stairs just don’t fit into the plan when you hope to stay in a house well into your retirement years.

 

The best way to avoid stairs is through the use of a rambler design. With single-floor living, you’ll be able to access all parts of the house easily and won’t have to worry about moving if you experience a loss in mobility that makes going up and down stairs too difficult to do day after day.

 

Safe Bathroom Design

While it might not seem like it during your younger years, the bathroom can be one of the most dangerous parts of a home to a person with mobility limitations. As you get older, things like stepping into a bathtub could suddenly become a risky move – especially if the ground is wet and slippery. Bathroom design features like a curbless, walk-in shower and grab bars near the toilet will quickly make that space safer and easier to use.

 

Lighting and Floors

A couple of other components in your home that you’ll want to consider are the lights that you use to illuminate the various rooms and the flooring that you pick throughout the house. Generally speaking, hard floors are better than carpets, as carpeted floors can be hard for older people to walk on without tripping. And, for people whose eyesight starts to decline a bit in their later years, quality LED lighting that brightens up even the darkest corners will be a design feature you are glad you included from the start.

 

It’s hard to beat what custom homes have to offer and you don’t want to be forced to move out of your new custom home anytime soon. Use smart design features like those listed above to inform your decisions and you’ll be left with a house that you are proud to live in for many years ahead.