Aging in Place (AIP) is defined as:
“The ability to safely grow old in one’s own home.”
Consider that more than 10,000 people every day turn 65 in the United States. That is a staggering statistic, and also consider that we’re healthier and living longer.
AIP is a popular option for those of us who want to remain independent and live in our homes for as long as possible. By designing our homes to be AIP compatible for our own special needs, we can stay independent, and remain with our network of friends and family.
Needless to say, AIP is good for our mental health as well as our physical health.
As an International Interior Design and Decor Professional and Aging In Place Designer, I transform houses into highly functional, safe, and attractive homes. I design my clients’ space with their style likes and dislikes as well as personal safety and accessibility in mind so that they can stay independent in their own home throughout the seasons of their life.
If you’re curious of how AIP design can help you, here are three examples of easy things you can do in your entryway so that you can feel more safe and secure in your home.
” Home is where we should feel secure and comfortable.“
– Catherine Pulsifer –
No time to read it now? PIN it for later:
1. Install non-slip flooring or coating
Wet shoes and umbrellas can make the floor quite slippery. If changing your flooring isn’t in the budget, there are lots of products on the market today that you can put right on your floor so it’s less slippery.
If you’re currently using a doormat that you love and don’t want to move, make sure the edges are tacked down so that there is less chance of tripping on it. Also, add a boot rack for wet shoes and a bin for umbrellas at your entry door, so that water doesn’t have a chance to pool on the floor, reducing the chance of slipping and falling.
2. Replace your Door Knob with a Lever
As we age, we lose mobility in our hands and fingers and pushing down on a door lever is much easier than turning a knob.
This is one of the first things that I advise all of my clients to do throughout the home.
3. Install a Doorbell with a Camera
There is some great technology out there now to help with Aging in Place design. By installing a doorbell with a camera, you’ll always be able to see who is at the front door and decide if you want to answer it…or not.
You may also consider a system that allows you to unlock the outside door remotely, so its much easier to let your friends and family into your home.
This is your home, and, with a few Aging in Place adjustments, you can live there independently for many years to come.
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