If you love your home, you know: it’s not just a building. It’s a special place that offers comfort, holds memories, and welcomes those you love. And as we get older, our homes become even more important, providing familiarity and connection to our community.
There’s a growing trend among homeowners in the US: more people are planning to stay in their homes as they age. This comes with a lot of benefits, like
Remodeling your home to support aging in place is about planning ahead with intentional, thoughtful design that fits your lifestyle both now and into the future.
Aging in place means having the ability to remain in your home safely, independently, and comfortably. It sometimes requires remodeling or modifying the home so it remains accessible and functional as needs change over time. It’s proactive planning for today—and tomorrow. Through thoughtful design decisions, aging in place is possible, and your home can still look stylish and feel comfortable for you and your family.
Aging in place is a great solution to a current problem—there is a housing shortage in senior living communities. In fact, it’s estimated that for every 27 senior housing units currently being occupied, only ten new ones are being constructed, according to Senior Housing News. This means that, for many people, considering aging in place is the best option. But—housing shortage aside—there are other great benefits to staying in the home you love. Remaining in a familiar environment is often more comfortable and leads to feeling more secure. It allows more independence and a higher quality of life in many cases.
Another way of thinking about aging in place is that you’re creating a home that focuses on universal design. This term refers to carefully designing the environment so it can be used by as many people as possible, regardless of age and physical ability. And with some smart design, the necessary changes can be seamlessly—and stylishly—integrated into your home.
Many people are afraid that preparing their home for future accessibility needs will turn it into a cold, institutional, or unattractive place. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. Today’s accessibility designs are indistinguishable from other residential designs. In fact, they often look more high-end. For example
If navigating stairs becomes difficult, solutions exist! Many times, homeowners build an addition to serve as a bedroom suite. Others transform part of their main floor into a bedroom suite. Check out Luke and Marsha’s Lebanon Guest Suite Remodel to see this idea in action.
Stair lifts are another possibility, and designing a stairway that could later accommodate a lift is a great forward-thinking idea. It’s even possible to add a residential elevator to a multi-story home, making navigating stairs a non-issue.
This is where the magic of the design-build approach comes into play. When you work with a design-build remodeler (more on that term here), you will spend a lot of time planning your remodel with the expert guidance of a professional designer. Together, you will consider what you want and need now, and what you might want in the future. Majoring on design before the remodel ever starts means no costly retrofitting later.
Also, keep in mind that you don’t have to change everything at once. If you prefer, you can plan a phased approach, focusing first on priority areas like the main bathroom, kitchen, and entry. With a little thought and care, you can make your house perfect for aging in place.
Aging in place and universal design can be both beautiful and practical. Your designer will help you integrate ideas like these into your kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, or whole-home remodel in a way that supports your home’s style. And these upgrades aren’t just for seniors. They make life more comfortable for everyone, regardless of age and ability.
One of the most important areas to focus on is the bathroom, which features universal design and prioritizes safety without sacrificing style. This could mean
The best-designed kitchens are functional and accessible while maintaining the social feel that makes the kitchen the heart of the home. This might include
Creating good flow and smart traffic patterns through the house is always important. Wider doorways and hallways feel more open but also make it easier to navigate with mobility aids. Other possible upgrades might include
If you want to make your home comfortable and accessible for you and those you love, a design-build remodeling team can help you do it. When your designers and construction team work together, they can solve problems creatively, coming up with innovative solutions that support your needs and wants. The emphasis on thorough and thoughtful planning means that your team can anticipate future needs and integrate them seamlessly into your remodel.
Aging in place is about freedom, comfort, and safety, wrapped in thoughtful and beautiful design. It’s about customizing solutions to your family and home. Even if you don’t need accommodations yet, it’s helpful to think ahead so you’re prepared to enjoy your home well into the future. If you’re ready to get started or want to have a conversation about integrating aging-in-place design into your home remodel, you can book a consultation or send us an email today. We’d love to help you create the home that will support you and those you love.