As baby boomers continue to age, and the economy as a whole moves forward, we’re beginning to see a new way of looking at our housing options. Seniors don’t need the space they did when they had families at home, and are demanding a whole different look at the way they live.
Here are 8 senior housing design trends to watch for.
1. Universal Design. Universal design is synonymous with making a house livable through the many stages of life. They have the beauty and uniqueness of a custom home, yet are much easier to use as the residents’ physical abilities change. A universally designed home will come with one story living, wider hallways and doorways, ample lighting, flexible storage spaces, and non-slip surfaces.
2. Technology Driven. Love your iPhone and iPad or other smart devices? We’re seeing the future of technology change every day. Homes will be wired to make everything easy to use, and have applications that connect you within the home, and with family members and health services throughout the world.
3. Green technology. Why not make your home more efficient and energy conscious? From appliances that save water and energy, to windows and solar panels that help heat or cool a home, the newest designs will offer you many ways to stay at the top of being green. In addition, many of these devices bring savings on energy bills over time.
4. Flexibility and customization. Instead of redesigning a home or room for one purpose, it’s now possible to remodel for flexibility. Companies are coming up with great layouts that work within your life today, yet have the ability to be altered in the future. Remember the cribs that were converted to toddler beds? Almost anything is possible today. From rooms to storage options or appliances, there are many ways to satisfy your needs throughout the years.
5. At Home Services. More people are choosing to stay in their home for as long as possible. A good design looks at the possibility of aging gracefully, and providing enough room for adequate help along the way. Receiving 24 hour care could mean that there is a need to provide living quarters for in-home help. Why not incorporate that into your future design plans? A separate studio area could provide a wide range of uses, and will be flexible for a variety of options along the way.
