In the UK, the population is ageing since we’re typically living longer and having children later. Whilst living longer is great, quality of life and being able to stay in your own home is paramount to successfully enjoying and making the most of your later life.
We’re seeing more and more clients asking us to provide designs either for older users or to ‘future proof’ their homes for their own older years. We can suggest simple, functional solutions to overcome these issues. Good design has the power to transform the life of an older client or relative- so what should you be considering?
We recently attended a talk by Gilly Craft, President of the BIID- on Design for an Aging Population. Here are our favourite ‘take-aways’ from her talk:
Avoid Trips and Falls
A fall can be extremely serious so it is vital that your design avoids any possible trip hazards:
- Avoid using rugs. They are trip hazards especially to people with impaired vision, walking frames or Dementia/ Alzheimer patients. If you’re worried about it feeling cold then consider UFH to ensure the flooring is warm underfoot without the need for rugs.
- Avoid using patterned flooring. This can be confusing for people with poorer eyesight, particularly people with Dementia or Alzheimer’s. It becomes more difficult to distinguish flooring patterns with obstacles & objects. This could result in your client trying to pick up pieces of the floor pattern or tripping. More on this here.
- Ensure good even lighting throughout- avoid shadows. See our guide to lighting for advice getting started with a lighting plan.
Make daily tasks easier
To retain independence. Talk to the client and find out what they struggle with currently. Can this be made easier?
- Chairs should have seats at a convenient height, with arms to help with sitting and standing
- Are things organised sensibly and in the easiest way to use or find (i.e. cups and tea bags near the kettle).
- Would labels or pictures help? (NB- Dementia Patients find pictures easier to understand than words)
Improve quality of life & design
- Encourage engaging activities: space for socialising; puzzles group activities, reading, chatting etc
- Beautiful design: this is your clients home. You do not need to compromise on style to make it functional.
- Make sure finishes & fittings are good quality, easy to clean & maintain and long lasting.
Safety
- Automatic switch off for hobs, ovens etc
- Taps which avoid scalding
- Walk in showers or baths
If you are interested in making your home suitable for an older user then get in touch. We’ve plenty more tips and good practice advice for preparing your home for the 3rd age.