When customizing a home, you can include design features that make your life easier. If you’re building a custom home for an elder, then there are safety features that you should include in the home design. After consulting with a building contractor, consider incorporating these features that make retirement life easier.

Design Features for An Elder Friendly Home

1. Single-Level Floor Plan

While a young person might use stairs without thinking, it takes considerable effort for a senior to make that trip. Home design with an open single-level floor plan will ensure that, no matter how old you are, you will have easy access to every room.

2. Sturdy Floors

Falling is a significant concern for elders and their loved ones. If you want to install smooth floors, don’t feel the need to add rugs throughout the house to provide traction. An elder could catch their foot on one and trip. If you do lay them down, install nonslip mats on the bottom, so the corners stay down, and the rug doesn’t shift. 

3. Accessible Bathroom

Home designs with a safe, comfortable bathroom are essential in giving elders independence with their privacy. You can install hand bars inside the shower, next to the toilet, or along the wall of the bathroom to allow more natural movement.

For the shower to be elder-friendly, design a step-in system with a seat, rather than a tub style shower. Also, use a detachable showerhead, so they can sit and shower with ease. 

4. Sufficient Lighting

Lighting is essential to those whose eyes are getting weaker with age. Adding more fixtures to the rooms will help seniors stay alert and move around. You can also install a dimmer so they can adjust the lighting to their comfort. If you don’t use a dimmer, try flat-panel switches, since those are easier on the hands than toggle switches.

5. Easy Handles

Due to arthritis and other joint ailments that retirees often have, it is difficult to turn a doorknob or turn off a kitchen sink. When installing these features, including a lever-system instead of a knob system. This allows them to push without grasping and is much easier on the joints.

To create the perfect home for an elderly loved one, contact 5th Avenue Construction, located in Naperville, IL. This company will commit to your home design vision and execute it well. They also offer remodeling services if you want to change the look of your current home. To look at their portfolio, go to their website. Call (331) 255-7500 to make an appointment.