Aging In Place

All photography by Allison Elefante Photography

Over the next few years, universal design and aging in place will become a huge deal in the design industry as so many people (now some baby boomers) are facing decisions whether to stay in their home long term, downsize, or even to move to a senior living community. Many people prefer the comfort of their own home, if it is an option, and need to renovate for aging in place. While my client is in excellent health, we really needed to think through the design decisions so that she would feel comfortable living there for years to come. We replaced the vanity and raised it to be 36” high so that it is easier for the client to use, we also replaced the toilet to be a “comfort height” (ADA). If the client ever was in a wheelchair or walker, she would not have access to her closet as the door was 24” wide. We widened the door opening and made it into a pocket door, which also saved some space. We also made the shower door glass 30” wide to be more accessible. The shower plumbing wall moved so that the client could turn on the water without getting wet and can also hold on to her grab bar when getting in and out of the shower. We added blocking to the ADA grab bar/tissue holder which will help add support. So many of these changes keep universal design in mind and would not be noticeable as ADA. Design can always be both functional and beautiful.