As we age, our needs change, and it becomes essential to make modifications to our homes to ensure a comfortable and safe living environment. Aging in place is a crucial concept to consider when transitioning into your retirement home. Also, everyone's needs are unique, so it's important to assess your specific requirements when making modifications to your home. Consulting with a professional, such as an occupational therapist or a certified aging-in-place specialist, can provide valuable guidance in designing a living space that caters to your individual needs and promotes independence as you age. To facilitate the activities of daily living, here are key aspects to take into account:
Bathroom
- Tub and shower controls offset
- Light in shower stall
- Shower stall with low or no threshold, trench drain
- Fold-down shower seat
- Hand-held shower head with 6’ hose
- Lift or transfer seat for bathtub
- Lower bathtub for easier access
- Grab bars at back and sides of shower, tub, and toilet, or wall reinforcement for later installation
- Adapter to raise toilet seat 2½”–3” higher than standard
- Turnaround and transfer space for walker or wheelchair (36” x 36”)
- Knee space under sink and vanity
- Counters at sit-down height
- Emergency alert or call button
Faucets, Switches & Controls
- Temperature-controlled or anti-scald valves for faucets
- Lever faucet handles
- Easy-to-read, pushbutton controls
- Lever door handles vs round door knobs
- Loop drawer handles
- Easy-to-read, programmable thermostat
- Rocker light switches at each room entry
- Lighted switches in bedrooms, bathrooms, and hallways
- Light switches at 42” from floor
- Electrical outlets 15”–18” from floor
- Front controls on cooktop
Entry & Stairs
- At least one entry without stairs
- 36” wide doorway with ‘offset’ hinges vs traditional hinges
- Side window at entrance or lowered peephole
- Handrails on both sides of stairs
- Outside stair height below 4”
- Contrasting strip on stair edge
- Ramp slope of no more than 2” per 12” in length, 2” curbs, 5’ landing at entrance
- Low (maximum ½” beveled) or no threshold
- No mats or throw rugs
- Exterior sensor light focused on door lock
- Surface inside doorway for placing packages
- Audible doorbell
- Flashing porch light
Kitchen
- Cabinets with pull-out shelves and turntables
- Wall cabinets set below (about 3”) standard height
- Glass cabinet doors or open shelving
- Easy-to-grasp cabinet knobs, pulls, or loop handles
- Task lighting under cabinets
- Electric cooktop with front controls and hot-surface indicator
- Microwave at counter height
- Wall oven or side opening oven door at counter height
- Counter space for transferring items from refrigerator, oven, sink, and cooktop
- Side-by-side refrigerator/freezer with adjustable upper shelves and pull-out lower shelves, or a freezer drawer on the bottom
- Raised dishwasher
- Variety in counter height—some at table height (30”)—under-counter seated work area
- Gas sensor near gas appliances
Home Design & Layout
- Easy-open windows with low sills
- Color contrast between walls and floors, matte finish wall coverings
- Adequate, accessible storage
- Wide halls and doorways (interior doors and hinges can be removed)
- ‘Flex room’ for family visits or live-in care provider
- Attached garage with opener or covered carport, room for wheelchair loading
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Low-vision adaptations:
- Anti-glare glass
- Stick-on, tactile markers on controls
- Contrasting color switch plates
- Electrical-plug pullers
Home Care
- Low-maintenance exterior (vinyl siding) and landscaping
- Housekeeping service
- Repair service
- Security and emergency alert service
- Uncluttered, unobstructed exterior and interior pathways
- Easily accessible filters on HVAC units
