According to the U.S. Census Bureau, roughly 40% of U.S. homes were considered to have the basic aging-ready features seniors need. At the very least, they would need a step-free entryway into the home and a first-floor bedroom and bath.
Unfortunately, that’s less than half of those homes meeting the bare minimum requirement. It’s a struggle for those living in Mission, which has many walkable neighborhoods and community resources for older adults.
So what kind of apartment design is suitable for seniors, and how can you apply that to your home?
The Importance of Senior-Friendly Apartment Design
Aging presents a variety of challenges, ranging from reduced mobility and strength to changes in vision and hearing. Apartment designs that accommodate these shifts help seniors stay self-sufficient and secure in their homes.
A senior-friendly layout isn’t only about removing hazards. It’s about creating an environment that enhances daily life and adapts with a person’s evolving needs.
This is especially important for people with chronic illnesses. For example, an individual with osteoporosis has to take extra care to avoid slips and falls.
Mission KS apartments, designed with seniors in mind, help them live more fulfilling lives without giving up comfort or safety.
Key Features of a Senior-Friendly Layout
A senior-friendly layout should include a range of features that improve accessibility, safety, and convenience. Some of the most essential elements include:
- Single-level living
- Wide doorways and hallways
- Open floor plans
- No-step entries
- Accessible bathrooms
- Lowered light switches and raised electrical outlets
Ask your parents what they want or need before you choose a senior living home or a new apartment. They may need fewer mobility aids, but will appreciate features that improve their quality of life.
Creating a Safe and Functional Living Space
A functional living space goes beyond safety. It blends style with practicality to ensure that seniors don’t feel like they’re sacrificing aesthetics for usability.
These are some examples of ways you can adjust spaces to make them more accommodating.
Entryways
While stairs look nice, they’re a trip hazard for seniors and their guests alike. Instead, replace their stairs with ramps or graded walkways. Zero-threshold entrances will also help ensure smoother transitions between indoors and outdoors.
Living Rooms
Furniture arrangements in living areas should allow for easy movement and provide firm, supportive seating. Adjustable lighting options and voice-activated technology can further enhance convenience.
When there’s better movement and illumination, seniors can navigate their homes more safely.
Kitchens
Many aging adults still enjoy cooking and entertaining guests. A senior-friendly kitchen includes level-handle faucets, pull-out shelves, and appliances with easy-to-read controls.
Another thing that helps is chairs with arms. These allow older individuals leverage to stand more easily.
Bedrooms
Functional design in the bedroom focuses on ease of dressing and sleeping. This may include adjustable beds and built-in closets with accessible storage heights. Good natural lighting also makes a space more welcoming and easier to navigate.
Laundry Areas
In-unit laundry is a huge benefit. Front-loading washers and dryers set on raised platforms reduce the need to bend down. It’s also easier for seniors to get their laundry done when they don’t have to leave their apartment.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms are particularly treacherous for seniors. Slick tiles create a slip hazard for anyone, and older adults can’t handle that kind of fall.
Grab bars are king in bathrooms. You’ll want to install them in the shower, next to the toilet, and near any place seniors transition from sitting to standing. Non-slip flooring and rubber mats also reduce slip risks.
Comfort Design Components
When considering comfort design in apartments for seniors, sensory experience is paramount. Things like texture, color, and acoustics all affect how a person feels in their space.
Lighting
Natural light is preferred wherever possible, as it boosts mood and can help regulate sleep. Supplemental ambient and task lighting, such as under-cabinet lights, further improve visibility at night.
Color Schemes
Soft, neutral colors with contrasting trim can help those with visual impairments identify walls, doorways, and furniture edges. Warm tones also add coziness and reduce institutional feelings.
Acoustics
Carpeted flooring and sound-absorbing materials can reduce echoes and background noise. Seniors who want to limit outside noise entering their homes can hang up heavy curtains and seal their windows.
Climate Control
Easy-to-use thermostats and ceiling fans help seniors maintain a comfortable temperature year-round. They can even go the extra mile by creating zoned heating and cooling systems. Humidifiers and dehumidifiers help balance out the indoor humidity.
Long-Term Solutions for Aging in Place
One of the key goals of comfortable and safe apartment design is to allow seniors to age in place. Their space must be adaptable to future needs.
Some future-proofing strategies include:
- Pre-install grab bars and support rails
- Reinforce bathroom walls
- Integrate smart home features
- Use emergency response systems
Prioritizing aging in place can give seniors the confidence they need to stay in their homes longer. It also makes senior living communities more desirable and trustworthy.
The Role of Community in Senior Living
Comfort and safety aren’t limited to the apartment’s four walls. The larger building and community must also support senior living.
Features like elevator access and outdoor walking paths make it easier for seniors to navigate their homes. On-site fitness centers with low-impact equipment give them the chance to prioritize fitness. Pet-friendly policies can help seniors feel more at home in a new environment.
Close proximity to public transit and grocery stores also helps. However, residents of senior living communities will often have assistance with those needs.
Independent Living in Style
Apartment design is vital, even if a senior says they’re okay living wherever. Subtle factors like lighting, apartment layout, and color coordination can make a big impact on mood and safety. Take some time to plan things out in advance before moving a senior in.
The Welstone At Mission Crossing is an active independent living retirement community in Mission, Kansas. Our residents enjoy restor-style living with large quarters and a professional support team. Contact us to see if our community is the right fit for you.
