Universal design aims to create homes that are accessible to as many people as possible, regardless of age or mobility. It’s all about making sure your custom home remains comfortable and safe as you grow older.
Even though universal design initially focused on people with disabilities, it’s also great for seniors who want to stay in their homes as they age.
Many families are now opting for multigenerational house plans that embrace these principles because people are living longer, and often, multiple generations share the same home. If you’re considering building a custom home to accommodate aging in place, here are some key things to consider.
What to Look for in Aging-in-Place Custom Home Plans
Single-Level Designs
As people get older, stairs can become a challenge, especially for those with limited mobility or wheelchair users. If you need a multi-story design, including an elevator in the house is a wise choice.
Wheelchair Access, Especially in Bathrooms
For senior-friendly bathrooms, avoid having a curb in the shower and consider walk-in tubs. Ensure that transitional spaces are wide enough to accommodate wheelchair movement, with a minimum open area size of 60 inches by 60 inches for turning. Keep corridors as wide as possible and free from obstructions. Having a shower seat is also ideal for an aging-in-place custom home in Myrtle Beach.
Pull-Down and Pull-Out Shelving
Deep shelves can be challenging for older individuals to use. Opt for pull-out and pull-down cabinet shelves for greater accessibility.
Multi-Level Counters
Different counter heights provide flexibility and comfort, allowing people to work efficiently.
Remote-Controlled Windows and Blinds
This feature is especially convenient for seniors who want to age in place in a custom home, as it makes managing natural light and privacy easier.
Slip Resistance
Falls are a common concern for the elderly, so ensure that surfaces in your multigenerational home are slip-resistant. Install grab bars in bathrooms and other areas prone to spills. If you’re building a custom home, you can inform your custom home builder from Dawol Homes about it.
Lever Door Handles and Twist-Free Faucets
Retirement home plans should avoid features that seniors with arthritis might find challenging to use.
Open Floor Plan
Combining the living, dining, and kitchen areas into one open space is easier to navigate for individuals in wheelchairs. Fewer narrow hallways provide more room to move around and make rearranging furniture easier as seniors age in place. Open floor plans also allow for better monitoring of the environment through sight rather than relying on hearing.
Minimal Force Required
As people age, their strength may decline. For this reason, ensure that your custom home design in Myrtle Beach adheres to the principle that functional features require no more than five pounds of force.
If you’re considering building a home that caters to aging in place, contact Dawol Homes for expert assistance. We specialize in creating homes that meet the unique needs of your loved ones as they age in a comfortable and safe environment.
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Dawol Homes
9404 Hwy 17 Bypass,
Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
(843) 294-2859
Dawol Homes Sales Office
3100 Dick Pond Rd # E
Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
843-294-2859
We build homes in: Cypress River Plantation, Waterway Palms, Waterbridge, Murrells Inlet, Collins Creek, Bellwood Landing, Carolina Forest, Plantation Lakes, North Myrtle Beach, Socastee, Surfside Beach, Pawleys Island, Litchfield Plantation
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