Architext #1306: We Want to Age-In-Place!

I recently met with a retired couple in Bethlehem.  They are still active and relatively healthy, but are looking ahead and realizing that the physical constraints of their house will soon begin to impact their "in-house" safety and comfort.  Among other things, there are no first floor bedrooms so they are forced to climb a steep staircase several times each day to reach their bedroom and a smaller room where they keep their computer. Still, for them, like so many, a primary goal going forward is to remain in their house as long as they can. During our initial meeting, they repeated that goal several times in response to my first questions.

This concept, now referred to as “aging in place”, has taken great hold and has led to a new design and construction focus for this group of homeowners.  Often these homeowners are in a financial position to move to more accessible accommodations, but want to stay in their house where they are comfortable and where many of their lifetime memories also reside.  Those who do choose to move, often have many options including fully ADA compliant accessible housing that offers one-floor living, stair-free entries, wider doors, baths with roll-in showers and grab bars, and kitchens with adjustable countertops, pull-out shelving and other user friendly features.

But those who choose to stay in their existing home often need to undertake significant floor layout changes to achieve their goals. These changes often include renovations or additions to create first floor bedrooms and baths, wider doorways, ramps and kitchen revisions.   Additionally (but often overlooked), I always mention a number of other interior design upgrades that can make a big difference to older users who are experiencing a decrease in not only mobility, but also vision, hearing and strength.   These include a careful approach to lighting that allows for ample light where it is required, at controllable levels.  More light in circulation paths and task areas.  And careful selection of interior colors that  provide adequate contrast and pattern variations so as to maximize visual cues.  Providing heightened audio levels for devices like doorbells, phones and answering systems can be helpful.  My point is this: Be aware that there are numerous types of upgrades, some big and some small, that can increase safety and livability for older homeowners who wish to "age in place".

Fortunately, there is a wealth of information out there so, do some homework and then consider engaging a professional who can make expert recommendations based on your specific needs and goals.  They can even help with project implementation. 

I’ll share many of these ideas with my new client, hoping that once they are confident that we have arrived at the right plan layout (the big stuff), they will be able to focus on the more subtle aspects of the design that can truly make a difference.

Hope this helps with your planning effort. Good Luck. DN

Dom Narducci is a practicing architect in Southbury, CT.  He provides complete architectural design and project management services (Freestone-inc.com) and offers a line of stock house plans (FreestonePlans.com). Additionally, Narducci teaches and writes on design and construction issues. Comments are welcome. If you have a question for Ask the Architect!, contact Dom at: dnarducci@freestone-inc.com.