As the population ages, it’s not surprising that aging in place homes are on the rise as well. It is projected that there will be 55 million senior citizens aged 65+ in the United States by 2020. By 2030 that number skyrockets to 70 million! Homebuilders are designing accessible homes that allow seniors to live independently for as long as possible. This aging in place checklist ensures safe, comfortable living areas for homeowners, now and in the future.
What is Aging in Place
Aging-in-place is defined as the ability to live in your own home independently, comfortably, and safely, regardless of ability, age, or income level. The concept easy is not always easy to execute. If you or someone you love is considering aging-in-place, your home must be properly equipped.
Aging in Place Checklist
Turnkey Homes checklist walks you through homes, room by room, giving you specific accommodations for each area. It provides a brief reference of features to consider installing in your home. Aging-In-Place Specialists often work alongside contractors when implementing these features.
Whole House
- Open layout with minimal obstacles
- 5 foot by 5 foot clearing for turn space
- Widened doorways – at least 36”
- Widened hallways – at least 48”
- Large lowered windows
- Up-to-date lighting
- Level entryways
- Single level floorplan
- Lever-style door handles
- Limited mobility entrances
- Low maintenance landscaping
- Non-slip flooring – no throw rugs
- Light switches at every entrance to a room
Bathroom
- Toilet seat riser or elevated seat height – 17-19 inches
- Safety bars in tub/shower and near the toilet
- Anti-slip floor coating
- Built-in shower seat
- Walk-in bath/shower
- Adjustable, handheld showerhead
- Anti-scalding valves
Kitchen
- Hands-free faucet or lever handles
- Shallow, height adjusted sink – 28-34”
- Rounded edges on counters and shelves
- Lighting under cabinets
- Pull-out pantry
- Stove close to sink
- Electric cooktop with front-mounted controls
- Counter-depth appliances
- Counter-height microwave
- Side by side refrigerator
- Extra space for maneuverability
- Wall-mounted fire extinguisher
- Corner Cabinet Lazy Susans
Bedroom
- Sturdy furniture
- Low sitting bed – 23” from floor to top of the mattress
- Pull-down closet rods
- Lighting near the bed and in closet
- Nightstands same height as the bed
- Clear area around the bed
Laundry Room
- Front-load appliances with simple controls
- Appliances 15” above the floor
- Located near closets/bedroom
- Lowered upper cabinets with pull-down shelves – 3 inches
- Laundry chute – in multi-floored homes
- Roll-out trays in base cabinets
- Open under-counter seating and work table
Turnkey Homes, LLC creates custom homes that are perfect for your lifestyle today, tomorrow, and for years to come. We incorporate design elements that showcase your style while keeping you safe and sound throughout your lifetime. Aging in place modifications can be installed in existing homes through our remodeling division.
Turnkey Homes, LLC is dedicated to customer satisfaction, regardless of the project size. New construction, both custom and spec homes, is the majority of our business. We also do remodeling, additions, and subcontracting. Turnkey Homes is a hands-on company. We take the time necessary to design the perfect plan. Contact us today to start your aging-in-place project!
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