LaRoe Remodeling, Inc.

Aging in Place Design

Homes for Living, Homes For Life

The industry term “Aging in Place” is an unappealing name for a truly great home design concept: Design and remodel homes so that as people get older they don’t have to move when their homes no longer suit their lifestyle or physical abilities. It also means a home designed so that your parents or older relatives can come and visit or stay comfortably.

With people living longer and remaining independent longer, Aging in Place design is more important than ever. Many people confuse ADA-type modifications to homes with Aging in Place design. While for some homeowners Aging in Place design will require ADA-type modifications such as wheelchair ramps and residential elevators or lifts, a good deal of Aging in Place design is not even noticeable as such.

Examples of Aging in Place Design that make your home more comfortable to live in longer:

Lever-type door knobs instead of twist knobs
Minor changes to cabinet heights
Locating certain rooms so as to minimize the need to climb extra stairs
Stairs with slightly less height between each step
Appliances that don’t require as much bending or reaching
Showers that are easier to get in and out of
And more

Design That is Good for Younger Adults Also

Some of these modifications are also helpful for relatively active adults who may have aches and pains caused by sports or work-related injuries such as painful knees, hands, and backs.

Even if you are in your mid to late 40’s and are remodeling your home now, you might want to consider incorporating some Aging in Place concepts into the design of your project. A few changes to your home now could equal decades of more comfortable living in the future.

If you are interested, our certified Aging in Place specialists can explain the types of approaches you might want to consider as you develop your project.