Aging in Place

Our office recently attended the American Institute of Architects Custom Residential Architects Network Symposium in Cincinnati. We toured a 1980’s modern house that was designed for a client who uses a wheelchair. The three story house included a sculptural interior ramp connecting each floor. Designing for aging in place does not have to include an interior ramp; in fact accommodating the possibility of being less mobile is relatively easy. There are three major areas of consideration for aging in place; life-safety, fall prevention, and convenience.

Life Safety

The number one life safety issue is providing an accessible exit from each bedroom. This could be an interior ramp or it could be exterior doors from the bedrooms opening onto an area of refuge, which might be directly on grade or a balcony large enough for a wheelchair.

In two story houses and houses raised up out of the flood plain, we often install  a residential elevator or stack elevator sized closets for a future elevator. When planning for a future elevator the closet floor should be framed for easy removal. In houses less than five feet off the ground, we often include a ramp to the back or side door. A custom designed ramp will fit in with the overall architecture of the house.

Accessible doors are 36 inches wide and will preferably have flush thresholds but a maximum threshold of ½ inch exterior and ¼ inch interior. Hallways should be at least 42 inches wide. Every room including bathrooms should have an open space of 5 feet by 5 feet for wheelchair maneuverability.

Fall Prevention

Floor material, adequate lighting, and grab bars are the keys to help prevent falls. Floors should be smooth, firm, and slip resistant. Carpet should be low pile (less than ½ inch) with a firm pad. There should be plenty of natural light as well as both overall room lighting and task lighting. Particular care should be given to lighting stairwells, showers, entry doors, and exterior walkways.  Stairwells should have switches at both the top and bottom and hallways at both ends.

Stairwells should have handrails on both sides of the stairs. In bathrooms, install or provide blocking for future installation of grab bars in the shower, bathtub, and around the toilet. Likewise, you might want to install blocking in the hallways for future grab bars.

Convenience

For greater convenience you might consider one floor living, low maintenance materials, and a 5-foot accessible aisle in the carport or garage for wheelchair access. Lever door handles and faucets are easier for arthritic hands to open.

Smart home technology can assist in aging in place with voice controlled lights, small appliances, and locks. Video doorbells allow the homeowner to see who is at the door before answering it. Doors can be opened by motion sensors or remote control.

Finally, the construction of a separate guest house or two master suites can accommodate an aging relative or a live in nurse.

For more information visit the National Aging in Place Council website www.naipc.org