As time passes, our homes often need to evolve to suit our changing needs. This is especially true as we age — and that’s where our new construction home builders come in handy. At Bespoke Renovations, we specialise in transforming living spaces to support the concept of 'ageing in place' — enabling individuals to live in their own homes safely, independently and comfortably regardless of their age or ability level.
With three in four older Australians owning their home, it’s no surprise that Aussies are increasingly choosing ageing in place, remaining 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.
First, what is ageing in place?
Ageing in place ensures a home is safe, accessible and comfortable for seniors. It means considering the potential challenges of ageing, such as reduced mobility or vision and adapting the home environment to meet these changes. Our North Shore home builders specialise in home renovations that allow the elderly to live independently without sacrificing their home’s functionality or aesthetic appeal.
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 your needs are 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 — The bathroom is one of the most common places for slips and falls, especially for the elderly. Our home builder services include installing sturdy grab bars in strategic places like near the toilet, in the shower, and alongside the bathtub to provide support and stability.
Installing handrails on stairs and in hallways for added support — Handrails offer essential support and balance for seniors as they move up and down the stairs. Our North Shore sustainable home builders will ensure that handrails are on both sides of the staircase and extend the full length of the stairs. Additional handrails can offer support and a steadying influence in hallways, especially in longer passageways.
Replacing door knobs with lever handles — Lever handles are easier to operate than traditional doorknobs, especially for those with arthritis or limited hand strength. Lever handles allow doors to be opened with a simple push down, eliminating the need to grip and twist, which can be challenging for some seniors.
Installing a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector — Our North Shore home builders will ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are installed on every home floor, especially near bedrooms. You must regularly check and maintain these detectors to ensure they are in working order, and consider models with loud alarms and voice alerts for those with hearing impairments.
Installing sufficient lighting throughout your home — Adequate lighting helps to prevent falls and allows seniors to see clearly, reducing the risk of accidents. Our home builder services involve installing bright, glare-free lights in hallways, staircases and frequently used areas like the kitchen and bathroom. Consider motion sensor lights for convenience, nightlights in hallways and bathrooms for nighttime navigation, and ensure all switches are easily accessible.
Flooring changes — Our North Shore home builders can replace high-pile carpets with low-pile alternatives to reduce tripping hazards. Smooth, non-slip flooring can help prevent falls, especially in areas like the kitchen and bathroom.
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
Who says aesthetics and safety can’t go hand in hand?
A home should reflect its owner's style, regardless of any modifications made for ageing in place. Our new construction home builders focus on creating functional and beautiful spaces, ensuring that these renovations enhance the overall look and feel of your or your loved one’s home. Our team is committed to completing all projects on time and within budget. We’re up to date with industry trends to transform your or your loved one’s home into a safe, uplifted space.
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 your 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 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!