Essential Features of an Elderly-Friendly Home

Between 2010 and 2020, the number of US citizens aged 65 or older is expected to increase by 35%. As a result, there is a greater need to incorporate elderly friendly features into the design of homes. In fact, new age homes need to be multigenerational where people can spend their entire lives.

According to a survey conducted by AARP, the vast majority of elderly Americans want to spend their entire lives in their homes. And they want to live independently. When people age their general health tends to deteriorate. Elderly people are less mobile and also suffer from poor eye vision. Any new residential design should anticipate these changes and incorporate appropriate features. The homes should still remain comfortable, safe and aesthetically attractive.

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) surveyed new and potential homebuyers to find out what features they look for in a home. The findings of this survey were released in 2013.

Nearly 47% people who participated in the survey rated non-slip floors as a desirable feature. And 36% people want a full bathroom on the main level and a main entrance without steps. All of these clearly indicate that buyers are purchasing with aging in mind.

The NAHB has also compiled a checklist for builders working on new or renovated housing projects for the elderly. In fact, by incorporating these features into their projects, developers can build multigenerational homes that resonate with buyers of all age groups.

So what are the most important features of a multigenerational home? Developers building elderly-friendly homes should keep the following features in mind:

Features of the overall floor plan

·         The main living areas should be on one level.

·         There should be no steps between rooms on the same level.   

·         There should be clear walking space between rooms in the main living area

Hallways

·         The hallways should be well-lit and at least 36 inches wide.

Entry

·         The path leading to the home should be easily accessible.

Windows

·         There should be plenty of windows so that natural light can enter the home.

Garage or Carport

·         A carport should have a covered boarding area.

·         The floor of the front part of the garage to the back part should be sloping. This will be helpful if the floor is lower for the purpose of fume protection.

·         The door height should be 9 feet, so that they can accommodate raised roof vans. The door also needs to be wide.

Kitchen

·         There should be removable base cabinets and adjustable height counters in the kitchen.

·         Upper wall cabinetry should be somewhat lower than traditional height.

Electrical and lighting features

·         An audiovisual system should indicate when smoke or carbon monoxide detector has been activated. There should also be a system that monitors telephone and doorbell activity.

·         Light switches, controls and thermostats must be easily accessible. They should be at a height of less than 48 inches (120 cm) from the floor.

·         It should be possible to monitor the home security or intercom system from any TV set in the household.

·         Other desirable security features include a 911 switch that directly contacts the police, fire service, and EMS if necessary.

The homes should require less maintenance. They should have floors that can be cleaned easily. There should also be video phones and inbuilt recycling systems. Energy efficiency is another highly desirable feature.

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