THRVE Lifestyle Concierge
Shaping how people feel and interact within spaces.
We offer more than just Interior Design, we offer a lifestyle!
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Creating a home environment that supports the changing needs of seniors is more than just a design challenge. It’s a crucial step towards ensuring safety, comfort, and independence as you age.
Let’s break down what this means for elderly support at home.
Mobility
As people age, moving around can become more challenging. That could be due to general mobility issues or more specific conditions like arthritis. A senior-friendly home design minimizes the need for climbing stairs and includes wider doorways and hallways to accommodate mobility aids like walkers or wheelchairs.
Safety
Falls are a major concern for seniors. A well-designed home for older adults reduces fall risks by having non-slip floors, grab bars in crucial areas like the bathroom, and minimal thresholds that can be trip hazards. Good lighting throughout the home is also essential to prevent accidents.
Comfort
Comfort in a home for seniors goes beyond plush couches. It’s about ease of use. Things like easy-to-operate windows and doors, thermostat controls within reach, and comfortable seating that supports getting up and sitting down are all vital.
Accessibility
The key to a senior-friendly home is accessibility. That means everything a senior needs daily should be easy to reach. For instance, in the kitchen, essential items should be at waist or chest level to avoid the need to bend down or reach up.
Sensory Considerations
With age, changes in vision and hearing can affect how a senior interacts with their environment. High-contrast color schemes can help delineate spaces better, and visual cues can be used for important areas or items. Likewise, homes should be designed to minimize excessive noise, which can be disorienting or overwhelming for some seniors.
Designing a Comfortable and Accessible Home for Seniors: Essential Features
Certain features are essential when creating a comfortable and accessible home for seniors. These elements are not just about luxury; they are necessities that address the everyday challenges that aging adults might face. Here’s a look at what makes a home truly senior-friendly:
Wide Doorways and Hallways: The need for spacious pathways increases as mobility decreases. Wide doorways and hallways allow for easier movement, especially if a senior uses a walker or wheelchair. Ideally, doorways should be at least 36 inches wide.
No-Step Entryways: Steps can be a major hurdle for seniors. Having at least one no-step entryway into the home is crucial. That could mean a ramp or a flat entrance that eliminates the need for climbing stairs, reducing the risk of falls.
Floors and Bathtubs with Non-Slip Surfaces: Slippery surfaces are one of the leading causes of falls at home. Installing non-slip flooring, particularly in the bathroom and kitchen, can prevent these accidents. For bathtubs and showers, non-slip mats or textures are a must.
Sufficient Lighting: Good lighting is vital for seniors, especially those with deteriorating vision. Ample, well-placed lighting helps prevent falls and makes it easier to perform daily tasks. That includes brighter bulbs, night lights in hallways and bathrooms, and accessible light switches.
Easy-to-Reach Switches and Controls: Light switches, thermostats, and other controls should be easy to reach. Ideally, they should be placed at a height accessible from a standing or seated position. Simple, intuitive controls are also a plus, as they are easier for seniors.
Lever-Style Door Handles and Faucets: Twist knobs can be difficult for seniors, especially those with arthritis. Lever-style handles are much easier to use and can be operated with a simple push or pull, making opening doors and using faucets much more manageable.
The design of the built environment plays a significant role in shaping how people feel and interact within spaces. However, it is crucial to recognize that several other components also significantly influence how individuals utilize and engage with these spaces.
Factors like affordability and length of tenure directly impact people's social connections and sense of belonging. When basic housing needs are unmet (such as safety, accessibility, and having a healthy living environment), social connections can be compromised. In addition, the management of spaces has a considerable impact on how they are utilized by the community.
Various other supports are necessary for individuals to age in the right place, including access to health care, home care, and a strong network of family and friends. These elements are crucial in providing a supportive environment that meets the unique needs of aging individuals.
“The future of interior design is wellness. The wellness trend brings the focus of interior design back to a simpler, more immediate intimate and people centric view with more focus on lifestyle.”
— Andrea Leja
Design consultancy specializing in the wellbeing of people and the planet.
We focus on how neighbourhood factors and building location play a pivotal role in creating age-friendly and socially connected multi-unit housing. Accessible amenities, proximity to healthcare, and walkable environments contribute significantly to the overall well-being of residents.
Moreover, the environmental qualities and features of indoor and outdoor shared spaces are equally essential. Well-designed communal areas that encourage social interactions foster a sense of community, promoting engagement among residents. The integration of natural light, green spaces, and thoughtful landscaping not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also supports mental and emotional well-being.
Additionally, the building layout and circulation are critical in facilitating mobility and accessibility for residents of varying ages and abilities. Thoughtfully designed pathways, communal gathering spots, and user-friendly access points create a harmonious living environment that nurtures neighbourly connections and allows individuals to age in place gracefully.
Overall, by prioritizing these aspects, we can create multi-unit housing that not only meets the needs of older adults but also enriches the social fabric of the community.
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