If you’re looking for the best aging in place house plans, these tips below can help you improve your quality of life at home as you age. These are only some of the many ways you or a loved one can stay home and stay safe from harm.
Spruce Up the Interior
Whether you hire an interior painting company or simply use a few DIY projects, freshening up the interior can be an important way to make your home the best for aging in place. Consider removing carpeting throughout the home, adding more lighting, and installing grab bars in bathrooms to create a safe living environment.
Sprucing up the interior is a great way for seniors to maintain their independence and enjoy comfortable living. This is one of the best aging in place house plans since the look of your home, its decor, and its features can make a big difference in how you feel and stay safe.
Improve the Outdoor Deck
Decks and patios can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors in the comfort of your own home. However, for seniors, these can become dangerous if not properly maintained. Make sure that there is good lighting outside and consider installing handrails on stairways or ramps to give added security for better mobility.
In addition, ensure the wood is properly sealed and in good condition so it is safe to walk on, especially since ice or rain can make the deck slippery.
Update the Kitchen
The kitchen is an important part of your home and best for aging in place house plans. Consider adding a microwave and range hood above the stovetop to make cooking easier while reducing potential risks. Additionally, add wider doorways, install pull-out shelves, and switch knobs and handles with lever-style ones that are more user-friendly.
Finally, consider installing grab bars near stoves or counters as an extra safety measure when preparing meals. These are just some of the many ways you can improve your quality of life at home as you age by adapting your living space for safety and convenience in the kitchen.
Create Roll-In Showers
If you’re remodeling your bathroom, creating roll-in showers can make aging in place easier. This allows you to shower without having to get into a bathtub which can be difficult and dangerous for some individuals. Walk-in tubs are also an option but they will take up more space in the bathroom so this may not be ideal depending on how much room you have available.
While you’re at it, bathroom renovations should also include the installation of grab bars nearby toilets and showers as an added safety measure.
Install Elevators
Another way you can make your home better for aging in place is to install an elevator or ramp. These allow seniors to move around the house easier and with a greater amount of independence. This can be especially beneficial if you have multiple stories in your home since it eliminates the need for stairs which can be difficult to navigate when mobility is an issue.
Finally, ensure that the elevator and ramp are properly installed and inspected by a professional before use. While installing an elevator can be expensive, it’s worth the cost for seniors who want to remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible.
Install Security Systems
Having a strong security system at home is essential for the best aging in place house plans. Home security systems can provide seniors with peace of mind, allowing them to feel secure even when they are away from the home. Furthermore, these systems act as an early warning system for potential intruders, alerting you and the authorities before any harm is caused.
Installing security systems is one of the best aging in place house plans for seniors as it offers them an extra layer of protection while they are home or away. Some ideas for security include motion detectors, doorbell cameras, and even home automation systems.
Install Smart Home Technology
Smart home technology is a great way to improve quality of life and one of the best aging in place house plans. These systems allow seniors to control various aspects of their home from a single device, such as turning lights on/off remotely or unlocking/locking doors when they’re not home. You can even opt for an AC system replacement that includes sensors and alerts to notify you of temperature changes.
With smart home technology, the best aging in place house plans can become a reality, allowing seniors to maintain independence and peace of mind. Smart home technology can be a great way to make sure your elderly family member is secure and safe at all times.
Improve Accessibility
There are many changes that can be made to create a more accessible home for seniors and those with mobility issues. Installing ramps, widening doorways, creating non-slip surfaces in bathrooms, adding stair lifts or elevators, and installing grab bars where appropriate are all effective ways to improve accessibility and are one of the best best aging in place house plans.
These best practices can make it much easier for seniors to move around the home safely and with less assistance, allowing them to maintain their independence ad prevent slips and falls.
There are also many accessible improvements that are also stylish. For instance, frameless glass doors in the tub allow for easy access for those in wheelchairs, while still looking modern and sleek.
Creating an accessible home is a great way to ensure that seniors can stay in their homes as long as possible, and is one of the best aging in place house plans.
Improve the Septic Tank
Hiring septic services can allow seniors to have access to the latest in septic tank technology, which is one of the best aging in place house plans. Septic tanks need regular maintenance to keep them functioning properly and safely. Newer designs incorporate additional features like alarms that notify you when there is a problem and can even help save energy by reducing water usage.
Septic systems are not only important for seniors, but they can also help reduce their bills and keep the home safe. Having a properly functioning septic system is very important for the best aging in place house plans.
Repair the Roof
One of the best aging in place house plans is to hire roof replacement services as needed. Damaged or aging roofs can cause serious problems and even lead to accidents. It’s important that you hire professionals to inspect your roof on a regular basis in order to detect any potential issues, from missing shingles to damaged flashing.
Replacing an aging or damaged roof is the best way to ensure that your home is protected from the elements and is one of the best aging in place house plans. This will not only improve the safety of your home, but it can also help save energy costs in the long run.
Installing Safety Devices
Safety devices like smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers are important for protecting seniors from potential dangers. Installing these devices is one of the best aging in place house plans and can help seniors stay safe in their homes. It’s important to regularly check and maintain all safety devices, as well as keep them up-to-date with any new technologies that may be available.
Making sure your home is outfitted with the latest safety technology is the best way to ensure the safety of seniors and is one of the best aging in place house plans. In addition, if your smoke alarms have not been inspected in the past 10 years, it’s time to have them tested.
Improving Lighting
Adequate lighting is important for seniors who may be living with reduced vision. Installing light switches at level that are easy to reach as well as installing automatic lights in areas like closets and stairways can help seniors move around safely and prevent falls. In addition, new window shades that can be operated with a switch or remote control are one of the best aging in place house plans.
These improvements to lighting will improve the safety and accessibility of your home, while also providing more modern lighting options that can help save energy costs. Installing these types of upgrades is an important part of the best aging in place house plans.
Updating the Home Exterior
Improving the exterior of the home is also an important part of the best aging in place house plans. This can include updating and repairing stairs, railings, porches, and walkways. Installing non-slip surfaces like asphalt or rubber mats can help prevent slips and falls as well. If you’re shopping for a new home for your senior, consider looking at homes for sale that already has an updated exterior.
For instance, if you’re interested in a new home, check to see that it already has a ramp, sturdy handrails, and walkways that are wide enough for a wheelchair. These features can make life much easier for seniors who want to age in place. Making the home exterior safe and accessible is an important part of the best aging in place house plans, so don’t forget to consider this when making your home purchase or planning renovations.
Ensuring Comfort and Quality Living
Seniors need a comfortable home that’s designed with their needs in mind. This can include features like thicker carpets and wall-to-wall insulation to help regulate temperatures and make living conditions more comfortable. In addition, improving indoor air quality with help from a ventilation system is also one of the best aging in place house plans.
Having a comfortable home means more than just installing new features; it’s also important to ensure that your home is clean and free from dust, dirt, pollen, and other allergens. This can be done through regular cleaning and air filters to help keep the air quality indoors healthy and safe.
Repair Your Foundation
One of the best aging in place house plans is to ensure the foundation is sturdy for years to come. With foundation repair, you can help prevent structural issues, like cracks and sagging floors, which can make it difficult for seniors to move around their homes safely.
If your home is found to need foundation repair, be sure to get a professional inspector or contractor to evaluate the issue. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action so that your foundation is safe and secure.
Evaluate Your Home
One of the best aging in place house plans is an overall evaluation of the home. This should include looking at all safety features, making any necessary repairs or renovations, and ensuring that all exterior features are up-to-date and accessible for seniors who want to age in place.
Having an overall evaluation can help identify places where improvements are needed, such as updating the electrical system or adding accessible features like ramps and stair lifts. This evaluation should be done periodically to ensure that your home is safe and comfortable for seniors.
Install a Pool
For seniors that want to stay active while at home, a pool builder can help create a pool that is both accessible and comfortable. This can include adding features like stairs, handrails, ramps, and even a lift so that seniors can get into and out of the pool safely.
Having a pool in your home is also beneficial for those who want to stay physically active while aging in place. Swimming is an effective form of exercise, helping to improve balance, flexibility, muscle strength, and cardiovascular health.
Aging in place can be easier with the right house plans. By understanding what you need to make your home safe and accessible for seniors, you’ll be better prepared to create the perfect living space for yourself or a loved one.
