Aging in Place Trend Continues to Grow

As the population ages, remodeling and design are adapting. Aging-in-place and adaptable design are more popular than ever, and manufacturers are making more products to support them. The share of Americans 65 and older is growing quickly, and here in Hall County, northeast of Atlanta, the older population is expected to grow even faster than the national average.

Many communities have seen new active adult and assisted living communities pop up. When it is feasible, the alternative is aging in place: building or modifying a home so someone can continue living there comfortably as they age. That can be as simple as adding ramps and grab bars or as involved as installing an elevator or remodeling a kitchen or bath for full wheelchair access.

Small Changes, Big Differences

• Levers and pulls: replace round knobs on doors, cabinets and faucets with levers or pulls that are easier to use.
• Wider doors: plan for 36-inch doors inside and out to allow at least 32 inches of clear passage.
• Hallways: keep them at least 36 inches wide and well lit.

Exterior and Layout

• Choose low-maintenance siding, windows, doors and flooring.
• Include at least one step-free, covered entry. If that is not possible, add a sturdy handrail, ramp or chair lift.
• Put the main living areas and primary suite on the main level. In an existing home, that may mean reconfiguring space or building an addition.

Accessible Bathrooms

Bathroom entries should be 36 inches wide, with plenty of clear space to turn in front of the sink, toilet and shower. Showers should be barrier free, with a low curb or curbless entry, grab bars, a built-in or fold-down bench and a handheld shower head.

Many homeowners are removing large jetted or garden tubs to make room for a bigger accessible shower. It is more comfortable for people who rarely use a tub and plans ahead for a wheelchair or walker.

We include comfort-height toilets and vanities in all of our bathroom remodels. Comfort-height toilets sit a few inches higher than the old standard, and comfort-height vanities are 34 to 36 inches tall instead of the old 31 inches. The look barely changes, but the comfort difference is big.

Accessible Kitchens

• Add pull-out shelves in the pantry and base cabinets, and use more drawers.
• Leave 42 to 48 inches between cabinets and appliances, or more for wheelchair turnaround.
• Round countertop corners and add pull-out boards for a lower workspace.
• Keep the sink close to the stove so you carry heavy pots a short distance.
• Choose counter-depth appliances, slip-resistant floors and good lighting.

For more ideas, read our aging-in-place kitchen design tips.

Better Design Is for Everyone

Aging-in-place design is not just for seniors. Everyone deserves a home that is comfortable, functional and safe. Learn more about aging-in-place remodeling, then call Tracy Tesmer Design and Remodeling at 678-450-1700 or contact us online.

A version of this article originally appeared in the February 2021 edition of Lakeside News.