4 Important Things to Consider When Renovating a Home for the Elderly

For a space that grows with you through your golden years.

Retirement is something we all — or at least most of us — look forward to. However, with old age also comes the need to ensure that your home is safe and comfortable, where you can (ideally) live independently with minimal assistance.

Whether you’re looking to renovate your home with your future retirement in mind, or have ageing parents about to do so, here’s what you should know:

General design principles

When designing a home for the elderly, safety always comes first.

The second thing to prioritise would be comfort and convenience. In particular, do factor in the following when working with an ID to design your space:

• Ease of movement
• Ease of accessibility
• Ease of maintenance

Thirdly, ensure the design is as future-proof as possible, so as to avoid requiring additional renovation works (which can be costly and, not to mention, inconvenient) down the line. In other words, be prepared that the following points may become increasingly relevant as you age, even if they do not resonate with you at present.

1. Ensure proper lighting and clearly defined spaces

Like it or not, our eyesight is likely to deteriorate with age. As such, one of the most important things to have is bright and even lighting throughout your home. Warm lighting is less glaring, and many IDs actually recommend it for aesthetic and ‘vibe reasons’, mainly because it adds a dimension of comfort and relaxation (as compared to white lights).

Additionally, consider installing motion-sensored night lights so you don’t stumble in the dark.

Lighting aside, have spaces clearly defined with obvious colour contrasts, and avoid trippy colour combinations or patterns that could potentially warp spatial awareness.

2. Choose materials and fittings that minimise fall risks

Anti-slip flooring is your best friend when it comes to minimising fall risk, particularly in the bathroom and kitchen where floors have a higher tendency to get wet.

If grab bars are too obtrusive for your liking, ask your ID for suggestions on ways you can include handles or ledges that are more discreet. That way, you can hold on to them for support when getting up from the toilet seat or moving from one spot to another — without ruining the aesthetic.

If your unit comes with drop steps, it may also be wise to level them or invest in flooring works to make these drops gradual, thereby reducing trip hazards.

3. Plan your layout + choose furnishings with accessibility in mind

Keep walkways sufficiently wide, with space for wheelchairs, walking aids, or support from a caregiver, should they be required for getting around the house at some point in the future.

Storage units and door/cabinet handles should also be easily accessible, such that you won’t have to stretch, bend or climb up a stool/ ladder to retrieve commonly used items.

Furnishings-wise, opt for rounded edges where possible as they minimise the chances of injury when knocking into them (bonus: curves are trending and help to soften the look of a space to make it more homey!).

Then, choose seats and armrests that are firm so that they give you proper support when standing up. By way of future-proofing, you may also consider installing a wall-mounted foldable seat or built-in settee in the shower area, even if you don’t need one at the moment.

4. Consider smart home tech for added convenience and safety

Smart home tech can help greatly in minimising the need for movement and serve as a backup for when we forget things — as we all do with age. Think being able to control your lights from your phone, or having a digital lock so you never have to worry about locking the door or forgetting your keys.

Convenience aside, smart home tech can also serve as a vital safety measure. For instance, some smart sensors can detect sudden falls and send alerts to your loved ones immediately, or even call first responders on your behalf.

Forward planning is key

To recap, designing an elderly-friendly home isn’t just about safety rails or anti-slip tiles after an injury happens. It’s about planning ahead so you can enjoy your golden years with comfort, dignity and a peace of mind.

In fact, you can start now by clicking on the button below — and we’ll link you up with interior designers that meet your requirements!