Wellness, safety and innovation reign in living in place design
After a year filled with fear and unknowns consumers’ homes have become a multipurpose place to live, work and play. Most importantly, home is a haven. And for a large percentage of the population — 16.5% of which is 65 and older — safety, accessibility and comfort are key to achieving this ideal. After the population saw a dramatic increase in multigenerational households during the pandemic, the importance of having accessibility for every age group has never made more sense. Homeowners are rethinking their spaces and how they can maximize them to their full potential for decades to come, especially since the pandemic has shown us that our homes are spaces where we need to feel comfortable all day, every day.
Designing First for Safety
Many of our clients today are looking to age in place but are hesitant to jump into installing all the safety devices they think they might need. It is the designer’s job to instead educate them about the simple – and aesthetically pleasing ways – they can make their homes safer now and in the long term.
Some of the features that appeal to active adults involve creating safer kitchens, as they like to entertain. Placing appliances within a safe reach to avoid straining, using three levels of lighting for function, and including good traction flooring to avoid slippage and falling are all very important decisions.
Falling is the leading cause of both non-fatal and fatal injuries among seniors, accounting to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. Up to 30% of these falls lead to moderate and severe injuries that can cause disability. To reduce the risk of falls, having a bathroom that is readily and easily accessible is essential. For more information about fall prevention, check out my recent interview with 6ABC below!
While the kitchen sees more burn and laceration accidents, the bathroom is the main culprit in the home for trips and falls. This can easily be changed by installing smaller, non-slip flooring tile and creating either a wet room or a curbless shower. With a linear drain and the floor pitched correctly, you can remove the unnecessary shower curbs, doors and other barriers that may impede transitions throughout the bathroom.
This is the end of part one! Make sure to tune in next week for our next blog on Creating A Sanctuary! Call 610-308-3939 today for a consultation!
All Homes – Safe – Healthy – Comfortable
Arlene successfully completed advanced education and is licensed as a Certified Living In Place Professional™ (CLIPP).
