The older people get, the less mobility they tend to have in their daily lives. At some point, seniors will have a difficult time moving around their house—a problem that can be mitigated by designing a home that meets their needs. Here are a few design considerations to discuss with your custom home builder before starting construction on a senior-friendly home.    

5 Housing Design Considerations for the Elderly

1. Single Story

A single-story house allows an older adult to access all rooms without taking the stairs, which can sometimes cause accidents and falls. Exclude steps from entryways to make your home more accessible for wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers.

2. Open Floor Plan

Ask your custom home builder for an open floor plan for better visibility and maneuverability, especially with limited floor area. According to the recommendations of the National Association of Home Builders, there should be at least a 25-square-foot turn space in the living room, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom to make the property suitable for low-mobility seniors. Also, more natural light will come in through the windows when there are no walls on the floor space.

3. Spacious Halls & Doorways

Aside from open floor plans, consider having wide hallways and doors to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers; the same goes for the kitchen pantry and laundry areas. Make sure the halls are also brightly lit, with motion sensors for hands-free lighting.

4. Accessible Outlets & Switches

Electrical outlets throughout the house should be at least 15 inches from the floor and no more than 12 feet apart, making them easy to reach without having to stoop down. For easy-to-access light switches and thermostat controls, have them installed at heights less than 4 feet from the floor. If possible, use rocker-style or touch light switches and lever-handled doorknobs that require minimal hand strength to move. 

5. Handicap-friendly Features

Have your custom home builder add features like grab bars in the bathroom, walk-in showers, nonslip flooring, and recessed cabinetry for better mobility in the house. When placing shelves, ensure they are low enough to reach even while seated in a wheelchair.

When you’re ready to build a new house for an aging family member, trust the professionals at ST Evans, a custom home builder in Fenton, MO. For over 20 years, they have provided outstanding home remodeling and construction projects for residents throughout the Greater St. Louis area. Call (314) 267-4064 to request a project estimate, or visit their website to learn about their financing options.