What Does Ageing in Place Mean?

Not only are we living longer, but Gen Xers and Baby Boomers are leading the charge in wanting to stay living in their own homes as they continue to age, instead of moving into retirement homes or aged care facilities that are better suited to their physical and care needs.

Ageing in place is important for so many homeowners as they grow older because it means that they can maintain their lifestyle, family, social and community connections which gives them a real sense of security, familiarity, and safety. The presence of a familiar environment (with items, memories, and routines), is also crucial for enhancing the mental health and wellbeing of older Australians.

That’s why when we talk about ageing in place home plans, it's about looking at how your new home can really and truly become your FOREVER home. It means thinking about what you need now, and what kind of help you might want in the future when you’re older. Ageing in place home plans put a lot of thought into aspects such as accessibility, safety, and adaptability. Simply by incorporating particular choices, you’ll not only accommodate your family and lifestyle right now, you will future proof your house so that it will continue to suit you well into retirement and your twilight years.

Future proofing your home in this way has plenty of other benefits too. You can create a truly multigenerational home, where say your parents could come and live with you now instead of downsizing or moving into a retirement village, or your adult children with their little ones. It will make spaces like the kitchen and bathroom safer and more accessible for loved ones of all ages and abilities, and you can make the most of your precious family time together.

An Aging in Place Checklist for Your New Design

With this in mind, before you get started on the home building process, what areas could you future proof in your house to make it ‘ageing in place’ ready? Here are some ideas for how you could create a home where you can grow older comfortably and independently, no need to move!

The overall design

A great place to start with any ageing in place home plans, is with the overall design. Choosing a single storey design with zero-step entryways automatically makes it the easier and safer option for multigenerational families to enjoy their home because there’s no risk of tripping over steps or falling downstairs. Single storey designs also let in a lot of natural light and air, and you can really open it up more with wider doorways and hallways that allow for easier access - whether you’re carrying groceries, moving furniture, or using a mobility aid. Opt for hardware throughout your home that is ergonomic in design with a comfortable grip and curved edges. Push-to-open hinges for cabinets and drawers will also eliminate the need for handles or knobs. And keep in mind, designing a brand new home is also the perfect opportunity to incorporate smart technology which is brilliant for making life easier at any age!

Flooring

Hard surfaces like concrete and tiles are rough on ageing backs, hips, and knees - so considering your flooring options can make a huge difference. Opt for level flooring with flushed edges to avoid tripping, and there are currently a wonderful range of non-slip flooring materials in different textures, that not only look divine, they will improve safety by reducing the risk of slips.

Lighting

Lots of natural light and bright, easily accessible lighting illuminated areas can help family members to see better and find things. You can create natural light with large windows and skylights, and include multiple light sources throughout your home with task lighting, nightlights, and motion-activated lighting in shadowed areas, as well as pantry, drawer, and under-cabinet lighting. Think about light technology, like replacing traditional light switches with easy-to-reach or motion-sensor-activated light switches which are easier to use.

Kitchen

Kitchens are the busiest hubs in a home, so having plenty of space to move around in a functional layout that simplifies movement between the fridge, oven, and sink will make cooking and socialising more manageable. Swap traditional cabinetry and cupboards with clever storage like pull-out or down shelves, drawers, and pantries for a stylish and easy access to pots, pans, and pantry items. Go for an induction cooktop which is safer, more energy-efficient, and easier to clean, and a wall oven (at eye level) that will also make it easier and safer to cook. Pulldown sprayers can make light work of washing dishes and filling pots, and smart sink and tap fixtures or single lever taps are not only easier to use, they look fabulous. Think about the placement of daily use items and appliances at waist or eye level to reduce bending, and lowered countertops can create accessible spaces for kids and elderly grandparents to enjoy time in the kitchen too.

Bathroom

Introduce single lever taps and shallow sinks into the bathroom and laundry. Non-slip tiles and flooring in wet areas should be a no-brainer in any modern home. Walk-in showers are also a great option that give your bathroom a sleek and contemporary look that’s also accessible for elderly loved ones.

Aging in Place House Designs & Features for an Age Friendly Home

Building your new home is the perfect time to design the home you want to grow old in. At Eden Brae, we’ve found that families want to add features that accommodate the elderly and less mobile. These typical features in our home designs include:

• Wider ground floor door frames - A 100mm increase on the standard 820mm, a 920mm wide door frame can dramatically improve accessibility.
• Step-free thresholds and showers - Ideal for the front door, alfresco door or shower, generous 1.2m deep x 1m wide thresholds ensure that prams or walkers won't roll off and lower the chance of nasty trips or falls.
• Bathroom sheeting- This makes installing grab rails in the toilet or shower simple if they are required in the future.

Recent research also shows the biggest gripe with multi-generational living is a need for more privacy. This can be especially frustrating and unproductive for family members working or studying remotely. Fortunately, Eden Brae also has thoughtful solutions that recognise the need for both solitude and gathering spaces. These include:

• Guest Suite/Study -A guest suite with office capabilities is excellent for accommodating visitors and providing a space to work. An adjacent powder room also provides privacy for guests staying the night or a family member focused on work.
• Two-way powder room- A powder room connected to the lounge and guest bathroom is flexible to the family's needs. It provides seclusion for guests and working family members whilst being accessible when the family comes together.

These are just a few of the ways that you can future proof your home so it’s ageing in place ready.

Future Proofing Your Home Made Easy

Building a home for the future means that your house will be adaptable to changes in your family, whilst providing an excellent lifestyle right now. All it takes is just a few modifications to your house plans, and you’ll create core spaces in your home that are more comfortable and functional for all of life’s stages.

Eden Brae Homes is more than happy to help you by tailoring a future proof house design that you adore, so that it covers all your future needs. In fact, we’ve already helped hundreds of families by creating award-winning contemporary designs that they never want to leave!