Family ... House and Home
Aging in Place Design is Not Institutional Design for Old People
by Alesha E. Churba, Certified Aging in Place Specialist, A. E. Churba Design
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The notion of Aging in place is making the news lately. Remodelers, builders and homeowners are beginning to take notice of the need to prepare the home for ease of living in the later years. Not every home improvement for our future living arrangements need look like an institution; in fact, institutional doesn’t even have to enter the picture.
Adapting the home for all residents to live safely and comfortably is commonly referred to as “Aging in Place.” Mature homeowners are just beginning to understand how their needs are changing as age is creeping up on them and their homes are not fully conducive to their changing needs. The stereotypical institutional home doesn’t even enter the picture in today’s adaptable homes. The adaptable home for someone who wants to age in place is one that is comfortable, safe, and easy to take care of. The bathroom, kitchen and living areas should be the central areas adapted for the later years.
Think about the bathroom and yes, blocking in the walls for a later addition of grab bars in the bathroom is a very good idea and somewhat institutional but have you seen the beautiful styles of grab bars out there? Not institutional at all but functional and decorative. Choosing a taller, elongated toilet, even if you are not older is just plain smart because it is much easier to use. Investing in a walk-in shower with a low curb is a smart choice and not at all institutional but somewhat spa-like in feeling. Consider a bench in the shower and how much easier it will make shaving your legs or whatever. Allowing for an open space under the sink so that a wheel chair can get in if it became necessary isn’t institutional; heavens, no, it is just forward thinking.
Smart, forward thinking homeowners need to think about installing flooring that is slip resistant. Consider laminates and engineered wood floors to get the best of both worlds in both low maintenance and safety. Again, this is not institutional in feel, but pro-active for an active retirement and mature senior living.
Installing lighting that is dimmable is a bright idea (pun intended). The lighting is adaptable as needed and adjustable. This isn’t institutional but can be tailored to the needs of the young and the old.
Prepare for the future by planning now. Your home does not and should not have to feel like an institution when planning for your future. Consider design that is comfortable, safe and requires low maintenance. You and your loved ones will benefit not only in the future but right now too.
Written by Alesha E. Churba, Certified Aging in Place Specialist. She can be reached by phone (208)-313-6414, by e-mail at Alesha@aechurba-design.com or through her business website at www.aechurba-design.com. Alesha is an interior designer and a full-time instructor in the Computer Aided Design Drafting (CADD) program at Idaho State University College of Technology. She emphasizes and writes about the need and importance of safety, comfort and low maintenance through interior design for baby boomers and beyond.
