Aging-in-Place Home Design + Multi-Generational Homes
Are going through a complete home remodel?
Have you spent weeks planning and designing your dream home?
When you put so much effort into making your home the perfect space for your family, the thought of leaving it when you’re older can be disheartening.
According to AARP, “Data shows that 77 percent of adults 50 and older want to remain in their homes for the long term — a number that has been consistent for more than a decade.”
Let's bring your
dream space to life.
Multi-generational home design is becoming more and more popular, especially with the passing of the COVID-19 pandemic, where more of us were at home, getting to know our neighbors, and spending time making our homes into our oasis.
Here are some home design tips to consider incorporating into your remodel that will help keep you in your home longer:
- Wall switches with LED nightlights
- Pull-down shelving in upper wall cabinets (this avoids the need for a step stool, which can increase the risk of a fall in older adults)
- LED-integrated light fixtures where bulbs don’t need to be replaced
Additionally, here are some room-specific tips:
First, for the overall floor plan:
- Consider making your main living space on a single story, including a full bath
- Get rid of any steps between rooms/areas on the main level
- Hallways should be wide and well-lit
- Add plenty of windows for natural light, but make sure they have easy to operate hardware
Second, consider the kitchen and appliances:
- Add roll out trays and a lazy susan to your lower cabinets
- Consider appliances with easy-to-read controls and at counter height
- Add under-counter seating for work spaces in the kitchen
Lastly, make some upgrades in the bathroom:
- Add wall supports – even if you don’t need them now, a relative or friend might need them when they come to visit
- Add a bench in the shower
- Add slip-resistant flooring in the entire bathroom, including the shower
Age in Place without Compromising on Style
According to Susan Wright from the AIA New York Chapter Design for Aging Committee, “subtle design choices can have a profound impact on how long you can comfortably live in your own home, without compromising your aesthetic aims.”
Adding these small changes sooner will not only save you time and money in the long run, but it will allow you and your partner to stay in your home longer, which has been proven to help seniors have greater health and happiness outcomes.
How can a Home Remodeling Company in Ann Arbor Help with Aging in Place?
Our professional designers are passionate about what they do. We’ll help you imagine new ways to live in and love your space! If you’re an empty-nester, we can help you consider aging-in-place principles when renovating that will not only look great, but make your life easier.
Our design team has the knowledge and expertise to help you with home remodeling, and our project managers, carpenters, and tradesmen have the skills to get the job done. At Alpha Design + Build, we believe that a properly designed project is less expensive, completed more quickly, and has fewer cost overruns than a project done “on the fly”. Our process puts you first!
Contact us today to set up a consultation, and start creating your dream home with the help of an expert home remodeling company in Ann Arbor.