Designing a Senior-Friendly Downsized Home Without Sacrificing Style

Downsizing means shifting to a smaller and more manageable house. Downsizing can be an emotional experience. The idea of a ‘home’ has always been important to human beings. Homes are places where we make many good memories. Leaving a place that witnessed our endeavors, struggles, and growth becomes difficult. It is almost like losing a lifelong friend. But sometimes, we must leave behind old memories to make fresh starts. Downsizing is a prevalent trend in the US, especially among seniors. According to a survey, 44 % of adults living in the USA said they would consider downsizing their living space. This article will help you understand why downsizing is recommended for seniors and covers how to implement a senior-friendly home design.

Why Downsize?

Downsizing is an attractive option for several reasons. It promises better affordability, greater accessibility, and the psychological and emotional benefits of minimalism.  Hence a smaller space means fewer bills, manageable maintenance costs, easier home management, better elderly home safety, and a more familiar space.

Aging and Downsizing

With aging, our need for a larger home can diminish. A smaller house is less demanding–it is easier to manage and allows us to spend more time on things we love doing. For seniors, downsizing comes with additional benefits such as elderly home safety and advantages related to money, time, and physical energy. That’s why downsizing has become a widespread practice among seniors.  According to a Merrill Lynch study, almost 51% of retirees aged 50 or above downsize after retirement.

Minimalism and Downsizing

Downsizing encourages a re-assessment of possessions that fill up the space in our homes. A smaller space can promote a more efficient and productive lifestyle. Physical possessions not only occupy spaces but also vie for our mental energy, thus making us more susceptible to stress and anxiety. Make sure your senior-friendly home design focuses on minimalism. 

Experience The Magic Of Decluttering

A smaller space demands decluttering. Decluttering can transform your living space and maximize its utility by removing all the unnecessary items, organizing your belongings, and creating a more functional and aesthetically pleasing environment. While downsizing offers several benefits, it is essential to opt for a senior-friendly home design.

Essential Modifications For The Elderly

Most seniors prefer to live independently in their own homes. The following essential home modifications can make those homes more secure and senior-friendly.

Wheelchair Lifts:

Easy access to different levels of the house is essential. Wheelchair lifts provide a cost-effective solution for seniors with mobility issues. A quiet and smooth wheelchair lift promotes independence for seniors.

Threshold Ramps:

A high threshold poses a risk for seniors and people with limited mobility. A threshold ramp ensures a smoother transition from one room to another and for entering and exiting the home. 

Grab Bars and Poles:

Falls are counted among the main causes of injury for seniors. Over 14 million, or 1 in 4 seniors, have reported falling yearly. Grab bars and poles provide essential support for seniors and prevent accidents. They can be installed on the walls or floors of bathrooms, showers, or any other area to ensure elderly home safety and accessibility.

Widening Doorways:

Widening doorways can ensure ease of movement for seniors who use wheelchairs or walking assistance. They make entering and exiting much more secure and hassle-free.

Improved Lighting:

As we age, our eyes get weaker. Seniors need 2-6 times more light than younger people. Better ambient lighting means greater safety for seniors. Brighter lights can improve lighting, especially in important areas like hallways, staircases, and bathrooms, where accidents can occur. Adding lamps also offers a quick and easy way of improving lighting in a given area.

Smart Home Features For Better Control

Smart home features can further improve accessibility for seniors. It allows more convenient access to temperature control, lights, and security. Similarly, emergency control systems can be a lifeline for seniors. The use of sturdy handrails also makes mobility more accessible and secure for seniors.

Don’t Compromise on Style and Functionality

Multifunctional furniture offers excellent value and ease of use. To adorn a downsized home, one can look for stylish furniture that functionally serves multiple purposes, like a coffee table with extra hidden storage or space-saving sofa beds. Such furniture can optimally use up space while offering style and functionality. Chairs that assist sitting and standing can further warranty elderly home safety.

Stylish Senior-Friendly Home Design

All these measures ensure safety, but we must not overlook style in senior home decor. A senior-friendly home design doesn’t have to compromise on comfort or aesthetics. The furniture shouldn’t look cramped or cluttered. Mirrors add to the beauty of the house. If done correctly, mirrors and proper lighting play a key role in senior home décor. Indoor landscaping further increases the beauty of a house. Different kinds of plants are suited to different rooms. They also help in cleansing the air and literally keep us closer to nature.

Elements of Well-Designed Senior-Friendly Homes

A well-designed, senior-friendly home design always has an appropriate floor plan. Before committing to a particular floor plan, it is essential to consider factors such as window size and layouts, the atmosphere, and the comfort level of the residents. A one-bedroom apartment is ideally 500 to 800 square feet in length to allow for comfortable mobility. There should be ample storage space that promotes a clutter-free environment and minimizes the probability of accidents. Such spaces offer relaxation and ease of social interactions. A well-designed house is a well-lit one. Lighting is always a critical decision. Good lighting is the icing on the cake, and a carefully designed lighting scheme illuminates the most essential places in the house. A well-thought-out display of family photos, artwork, and souvenirs can help achieve a stylish senior-friendly home design.

How Nurse Next Door Can Help

Nurse Next door offers several in-home care solutions that can free the seniors from housekeeping and other worries. Seniors can simply focus on more important matters while the professionally trained caregivers from Nurse Next Door manage their homes with care and dedication. Besides providing companionship and personal care, including light housekeeping, cooking, and grocery shopping, our licensed caregivers can take effective steps to help you adjust to your new downsized home. 

A senior-friendly downsized home combines safety, functionality, and aesthetics to help seniors live with independence and dignity. Well-planned modifications like grab bars, improved lighting, wheelchair lifts, and multifunctional furniture ensure practicality without sacrificing style. Incorporating elements such as indoor landscaping, mirrors, and personalized decor adds charm and style. A well-designed senior-friendly space ensures independence, enhances quality of life, and allows seniors to keep living in their homes and to create new memories while cherishing the old ones. Nurse Next Door’s personalized home care services are always available to turn any home into a haven of comfort and safety.