Senior Specific Inclusive Design Must-Haves: Remodeling for a Comfortable, Safe, and Stylish Home
At Glickman Design Build, we know that as life changes, so do the needs of your home. Whether you’re planning for your own future or helping an aging loved one, senior-specific inclusive design can make all the difference. By transforming your home into a space that is safe, accessible, and stylish, you can ensure that it remains a comfortable haven for years to come.
Our team specializes in creating homes that adapt to the evolving needs of seniors, blending functionality with elegance. In this blog, we’ll dive into the must-have remodeling features that can make your home more senior-friendly while maintaining its beauty.
1. Wide Doorways and Hallways
One of the most crucial aspects of an age-friendly home is ensuring that there is ample space for ease of movement. As mobility may become more limited with age, it’s essential to remove any potential obstacles—starting with the width of doorways and hallways.
At Glickman, we recommend widening doorways to at least 36 inches and hallways to a minimum of 42 inches. This creates enough room for comfortable navigation, whether a walker or wheelchair is required. By eliminating thresholds at doors and adopting zero-threshold designs, you can also remove any tripping hazards. These changes may seem simple, but they make a big difference in everyday safety and convenience.
2. Curbless Walk-In Showers
Bathrooms can pose a significant challenge for seniors. Stepping into a traditional bathtub or enclosed shower is often difficult and can lead to dangerous falls. That’s why we always recommend a curbless walk-in shower.
A curbless shower provides a seamless transition from the bathroom floor into the shower area, minimizing the risk of trips. Paired with strategically placed grab bars, non-slip textured tiles, and a built-in bench for seated showering, your bathroom will not only be safer but also elegant and modern. Our design team at Glickman excels at blending these practical elements with high-end finishes to create a space that’s both functional and beautiful.
3. Comfort-Height Toilets
Another bathroom upgrade that’s critical for seniors is the installation of comfort-height toilets. These toilets sit higher than the traditional models, typically 17-19 inches from the floor to the top of the seat. This extra height makes it easier for individuals to sit down and stand up without putting strain on their joints or back.
Incorporating a comfort-height toilet into your bathroom is an easy, effective way to increase accessibility.
4. Adjustable Counter Heights and Roll-Under Spaces in the Kitchen
The kitchen is another area of the home that can benefit from senior-specific inclusive design. Adjustable counter heights and roll-under spaces are two great ways to ensure that the kitchen remains accessible and usable, even as mobility changes.
We often recommend incorporating at least one section of lowered countertops in the kitchen with knee clearance underneath for wheelchair access. In addition, pull-down shelves in upper cabinets are perfect for avoiding unnecessary strain when reaching for kitchen essentials. Our Glickman design team focuses on making the kitchen both practical and luxurious, with accessible features that blend seamlessly into your existing layout.
5. Lever-Style Door Handles and Faucets
Traditional round doorknobs and twist faucets can be difficult for seniors, especially those with arthritis or limited hand strength. Upgrading to lever-style door handles and faucets is a simple yet impactful change that makes life much easier for older adults.
Lever handles require less effort to open and close doors or operate faucets, making them ideal for an age-friendly home. We’ll help you choose stylish lever handles and fixtures that complement your home’s aesthetic while ensuring they’re practical and easy to use.
6. Non-Slip Flooring
Falls are one of the most significant concerns for seniors, and the flooring in your home plays a crucial role in preventing them. At Glickman, we recommend choosing non-slip flooring materials, particularly for high-traffic areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways.
Textured vinyl, cork, or low-pile carpets are excellent options for reducing the risk of falls. We also encourage seamless flooring transitions between rooms to avoid any height differences that could create tripping hazards.
7. Enhanced Lighting with Motion Sensors
Good lighting becomes increasingly important as vision declines with age. At Glickman, we often incorporate enhanced lighting solutions, like motion-sensor lighting, into homes for seniors. Motion sensors provide added convenience and safety by automatically illuminating areas when someone enters, eliminating the need to fumble for switches.
Task lighting in key areas like the kitchen or bathroom is another essential element. By using LED lights that can be adjusted for brightness, we can create a well-lit, comfortable environment that’s easy on the eyes.
8. Stairlifts or Home Elevators
If your home has multiple floors, getting up and down stairs can become a challenge over time. Installing a stairlift or a home elevator can solve this problem and allow seniors to maintain access to all areas of their home.
At Glickman, we offer stairlifts for straight or curved staircases and can also design and install sleek home elevators. These features are not only functional but can be customized to blend beautifully into your home’s design, offering convenience and peace of mind.
9. Accessible Outdoor Spaces
An inclusive design doesn’t stop indoors. We often help seniors create accessible outdoor spaces that they can enjoy year-round. By incorporating smooth, wide pathways, ramps, and raised garden beds, we can create a backyard that’s both beautiful and easy to navigate.
Raised garden beds, in particular, are a great way for seniors to continue enjoying gardening without having to kneel or bend down. We’ll design an outdoor space that is both functional and enjoyable, allowing you to make the most of your home’s exterior.
10. Smart Home Technology for Aging in Place
Finally, incorporating smart home technology can make aging in place even more comfortable. At Glickman, we specialize in integrating voice-controlled systems, smart locks, and video monitoring systems that give seniors greater control over their home environment and enhance their security.
Voice-activated systems like Alexa or Google Home allow seniors to control lights, thermostats, and appliances without having to move around unnecessarily. These technologies are simple to use and can be a great addition to any senior-friendly home.
Why Glickman Design Build is the Expert in Inclusive Design
At Glickman Design Build, we’ve been at the forefront of inclusive design for over 40 years. Our team of award-winning designers specializes in creating accessible, stylish, and functional spaces that support aging in place. Whether you’re making small updates or doing a complete home renovation, we’ll work with you to ensure your home is both beautiful and practical for your needs.
Our personalized approach ensures that every design solution is tailored to your specific requirements, and our extensive experience in this field guarantees that we understand the nuances of inclusive and senior-specific design.
Contact Glickman Design Build today to learn how we can help you create an inclusive, senior-friendly home that offers comfort, safety, and style. Whether you’re planning for the future or helping a loved one, we’re here to help every step of the way.