With three in four older Australians owning their home, it’s no surprise that Aussies are increasingly choosing ageing in place, meaning they can remain in their home as they get older and their health needs change.
As we age, our needs change and our homes may no longer suit us. That’s where ageing-in-place home design comes in. Renovating your home to accommodate your needs will significantly improve your quality of life.
In this post, we'll discuss why it's essential to renovate your home for ageing in place and provide tips on ageing-in-place home design.
Why renovate your home for ageing in place in Australia?
Ageing in place home design empowers you to lead a life as independently as possible as you age. Renovating your home has serious benefits for ageing in place, including:
Staying in the comfort of your own home as you age
Your home could fund your retirement
Your home can be passed down to your children
Increasing safety and reducing the risk of falls
Enhanced accessibility so you can more easily navigate your home
Improved comfort and convenience, making your home a more enjoyable place to live
Top tips for renovating your home for ageing in place
Ageing in place home design requires careful consideration to accommodate any physical or cognitive impairments you may face as you age. That’s where we come in.
Having renovated homes since 2014, we have the experience you need to ensure that your decision for ageing in place benefits your lifestyle and enables you to live as independently as possible.
When renovating your home for ageing in place, keep in mind the following tips:
1. Assess your needs
Before commencing renovations, ask yourself, what are your needs to account for when ageing in place? Consider your current and future needs, such as mobility issues or medical conditions that may affect your ability to live independently.
Some key considerations include:
The number of bedrooms and bathrooms
The location of bedrooms and bathrooms
The size and layout of your home
The type of flooring
The placement of light switches and electrical outlets
2. Ensure the safety of your home
Safety is a top priority when renovating your home for ageing in place. Make your home safer by:
Installing grab bars in the bathroom and shower to prevent slips and falls
Installing handrails on stairs and in hallways for added support
Replacing door knobs with lever handles
Installing a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector
Installing sufficient lighting throughout your home
3. Improve accessibility
Improving accessibility is essential when renovating your home for ageing in place. It gives you or your loved one control over the living space to support daily routines. Ways to improve accessibility include:
Installing a wheelchair ramp at the entrance
Widening doorways and hallways to accommodate space for a walker
Installing a stairlift or elevator
Lowering light switches and electrical outlets
Installing a walk-in tub or shower
4. Why think harder when you can think smarter?
Ageing in place home design means you can get creative with ways to enhance your or your loved one’s comfort and convenience. This can make your home a more enjoyable place to live in. These may include:
Installing a walk-in closet or pantry
Replacing faucets and door handles with touchless options
Installing a smart home system to control lights, temperature and appliances from one source
Install a comfortable and supportive chair or bed
Support services for ageing in place in Australia
If you’ve decided that ageing in place in Australia is the best option for you or a loved one, assistance with personal care will likely be required, from bathing to dressing, meal preparation, grocery shopping and more. Having friends or family nearby to assist with activities of daily living or in the event of an accidental fall is also helpful, but it doesn’t compare to hiring in-home help.
We strongly recommend browsing through the Department of Social Services My Aged Care website to determine the aged care needs for you or your loved one, including home maintenance or house modifications. You can also get assessed for your eligibility for aged care services in Australia and find a local provider in your area that suits your needs.
Bespoke Renovations — your trusted renovators for ageing in place home design
Renovating your home to accommodate ageing in place can be a significant investment, but one that can significantly improve you or your loved one’s quality of life. With these tips in mind, you can create a safe, accessible, comfortable and convenient home that will meet your needs for years to come.
With the right renovations, you or your loved one can live independently in your home and enjoy a happy, healthy life. At Bespoke Renovations, our trusted architects, interior designers and builders have worked with us since 2014 and use the best building technologies and techniques to deliver even the most difficult projects on time and within budget.
Rest assured that our team will take the time to get to know you and truly understand your ageing in place renovation goals, keeping you in the loop throughout the entire process. We coordinate all aspects of your project, from design to renovation, and take the hassle out of your renovations.
Contact our team today to organise a free consultation — we look forward to meeting with you!