Interior Design for Active Aging…
Aging In Place
By Carol Carr
D
orothy in The Wizard of Oz
had it right: “There’s no place
like home.” An AARP study
reveals that as we age the
desire to remain in our own homes actually
increases. Many people choose to remain
in their homes as long as possible even if it
means making major changes.
“Aging in Place” is a relatively new sub-
specialty of interior design that can help
you stay in your home for as long as you
like. It’s not about growing old; it’s about
planning ahead for the inevitable changes
in mobility, vision and cognition. It differs
somewhat from other types of interior
design because of its increased emphasis
on health and safety.
Life Changes Prompt Home
Modifications Studies show that
elderly Americans are reducing their use
of nursing home care, because they prefer
home delivered care or assisted living in
their homes. In an ASID (American Society
of Interior Designers) study, one in four
participants (25%) said they had or will
have to modify their homes.
Suggested Modifications
• Improve access by installing ramps or
railings or by widening doors and halls.
• The pathways and hallways will need
to be clear.
• If there are wall-to-wall carpets, con-
sider changing to tile or wood which
will allow wheelchairs to move easily.
• Remove any throw rugs; it’s too easy
to trip on them.
• Get rid of all the clutter throughout
the home.
• Create a large open space in every
room.
• Consider the amount of space that a
wheelchair needs to turn.
• Where there are ‘step downs’, cover
with bright reflective colored tape.
• Contrast items in the home with
highly saturated colors, not pastels.
• Check the hand railings both inside
and out to be sure they’re secure.
• Be sure your shower has a non-slip
mat and install a grab bar both in the
shower and the toilet area.
• Put night lights in bedrooms and
bathrooms as well as pathways etc.
• Install outdoor pathway lighting and a
light at the door.
• Seating in the main room should be
firm, have a high seat and preferably
arms to assist getting out of the seat.
Be sure the chairs aren’t too soft or too
low to the ground which could strand
a person awkwardly.
• Install ramps where needed.
Vision and lighting are very important.
As we age our lens thickens and yellows
which degrades our ability to differentiate
between pale colors, they’re seen as gray.
Astonishingly, most elder care residences
use the pale colors which cause confusion
and frustration for the elderly because
a clear contrast between horizontal and
vertical planes is required.
We humans need light, both natural and
man-made. Our bodies use light to set our
internal schedule of chemical secretions,
circadian rhythms. All light intensity
should be increased while keeping the
brightness consistent. Task lighting is very
important for reading and writing tasks.
Glare on walls and floors can negatively
impact people with mobility and cognitive
issues. They can’t see the surfaces clearly
due to the glare of excessive reflected light.
As we age our eyes dilate and contract at a
slower rate, so looking repeatedly between
dark and light causes disorientation.
This plan is not for ‘old’ people. It’s
for people who want to secure their
quality of life and live it out in dignity
while not being a burden to their families
or the community. If you haven’t retired
yet, think about starting your plan now by
hiring a professional to guide you through
the process. For those of you ready for a
safer, more comfortable home contact
a professional.
Carol Carr has been an interior designer since 1981, as ‘Carol Spence Interior Design’, ASID, CID.
Carol specializes in making your home comfortable, an extension of your personality and lifestyle.
Her design philosophy is “Every room should be usable and comfortable
— a balance between visual response and physical comfort.
Carol can be reached at 408.779.4189.
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN
MARCH/APRIL 2016
gmhtoday.com
37