Kid and Elderly Friendly Home: Senior Living Homes

Take advantage of this rebuilding and renovating stage to turn your house into a home of the future.
A place that is comfortable, safe and secure for everyone. Your house features must be comfortable
and friendly for your kids when they are still young and as they grow older. It must also be right for
you as a young parent and as you get older. Design it as your future senior living home!

Needs of Older People & People with Disabilities

Problems with some of the existing house designs are narrow entrances and doorways, which make
accessibility with wheelchairs difficult. Stairs are narrow and steep, and kitchens and bathrooms are
not easily accessible. These possible design oversights failed to consider the needs of older people
or for people with disability.

For Senior People

Consider the following simple design options to turn your present house into a home that will be
safer and more secure for your old age.

Door lever will be easier to use for the elderly people, children and when you suffers from hand injury | Source

1. Door Knobs Handles?

A door handle can either be in the form of the doorknob (round) or door lever. It comes in various
designs, shapes, and functions. Some can make a simple plain door look grand and expensive. But
some designs can also be difficult for children as well as for older adults suffering from arthritis, and
this can be stressful.
Door Levers
Use door lever instead of the doorknob as the lever will be easier for children and older adults to
use. It is also easier to use if your hands are wet and slippery or if you are carrying something with
both hands. In which case, you can still open the door with your arm.

2. Good Lighting for a Safe and Secure Home

Properly lighted areas will ensure a safe and secure home. You do not want to have a bad fall
because of poor lightings. Lightings should be ample but not glaring as it will affect mobility for the
elderly.

 Pay close attention and provide sufficient lightings to outdoor areas, reading areas, bathrooms,
stairways and in workspaces such as garage and kitchen.
 Fix under the cabinet lights to cooking area and kitchen counter.
 Install light switches at both bottom and top of stairways.

Rocker type light switch is easy if your are old and suffers from arthritis | Source

 Use large rocker-type light switches, as it is easy and convenient especially if you are
arthritic. When your hands are full, you can always use your elbow to switch on the lights. It
may cost more than a conventional light switch, but it is more user-friendly to the young and
old.
 Night-lights are useful when you need to move around at night like going to the bathroom.
 Emergency lights will be handy when there is an electrical blackout. It must be fixed at the
stairways, kitchen, and exit doors.
 Lastly, install a sufficient number of windows to bring in natural lights into the house. As
people get older, the benefits of sunlight therapy are tremendous as it is a cure for depression
 in old people. It is also a source of vitamin D, important for better absorption of calcium.
Sunlight can also be brought into your house through glass doors and skylights.

If the plug points are just above the floor level, this will be a big problem if you have backache. | Source

3. Plug Points Position

If you suffer from a backache, you will know how painful it can be by just bending over to switch on
your computer or any other electrical items.

Plug Point at Table Top Height

It will be easier to plug or unplug an electrical device from plug points placed at a tabletop height
instead of 1-foot from the floor, especially when you are older or suffer from a backache. Interior
design-wise, this location may not look great but if fixed properly, it can still be presentable.

Additional Plug Point

Eliminate the use of extension cord as people, whether young or old, might trip over it. Install
additional plug points if you foresee more usage within that area.

4. Hearing Problems
Hearing can be a problem as we age and installing devices that such as smoke detectors with a
strong strobe light instead of just sound will assist people with hearing problems.
A Doorbell must be audible in all rooms and for additional security, buy an intercom that doubles up
as a doorbell.
Telephone with adjustable volume control and with large number keypad will be useful for people
with vision, hearing or dexterity problem.

This shower has two sets of grab bars making it easier to get in and out of shower area. | Source

5. Safety in Bathroom
 Wet bathroom floors can be a danger even for the young. Choose floor tiles that are non-slip. If
you have a bathroom mat, buy the non-skid type.
 Grab bar or handrail is another useful device to install as it helps you move around easily when
getting in and out of the shower area or when using the toilet.
  Toilet bowl and seat should be about 17-inches high as it will be less stressful on your knees
and back. It may not be kid friendly and to overcome this, place a non-slip step to help your
child use the toilet.
 Bathroom door should open outwards and not into the bathroom area. If someone falls and is
near the door, you can still go in and help. Alternatively, fix a folding door.
 Have a telephone extension in your bathroom in case someone gets into difficulty he/she can
call for help.
 Level style faucet will be easier to use for both children and elderly people. It will also be easier
to control hot and cold water mixer.
 For the shower, a pressure-balanced lever will prevent any possible scalding. Consider
installing a hand-held showerhead in addition to a fixed shower head as it will be easier for
people with limited mobility.

6. Kitchen Design Layout

An ideal kitchen layout should be in the form of ‘kitchen triangle’ linking the working distance
between cooker, fridge, and sink. The bigger the triangles, the more walking you need to do. For the
elderly, a smaller triangle will reduce the walking and be less tiring. You will need to compromise on
this kitchen layout to meet your current needs and your future requirement, as you get older.

A wall oven fixed at a suitable height will be easier to use without having to bend over if it is the floor
standing type.

7. Steps at Main Entrance

When possible, design your house with no steps at the main entrance. The door opening and
hallway width should be at least 3.5 feet wide. This is to allow for easy wheelchair movement.
Have it well lighted and placed a bench near the entrance. This is useful in case you need to place
something while you unlock the main door. The bench can also be a place to sit while you tie or
untie your shoelaces.

8. Stairway Handrail
Install a handrail on both sides of the staircase and extend it beyond the first and last step. The step
should also have a different color scheme or design to mark the edge of each step.
If you are building a new house, design your stairway with a gentle incline. This will take up more
space but it will be easier to use as you get older.

9. Interior Design Styles

In addition, consider the following design style issues that will affect the elderly:

 If you like to have rugs or carpets over your marble or tiled floors, place carpet underlay to
prevent slipping and tripping over them.
 Older people may suffer from impaired contrast perception. So, you have to introduce high
contrasting color to the foreground and background. For example, toilet seat must contrast with
the floor colors, a drop in floor level must have different colored tiles or floor finishes indicating
the drop, and chairs must be of different color to the floor to ensure better visibility of the chair's
edge.
A Space for All Ages: Socially
Inclusive Architecture at Work
A University of California San Francisco study reports that 43 percent of older adults feel lonely.
As people age, they often lose important social connections and this can have a negative impact
on both their mental well-being and their overall health.

Socially inclusive architecture could help solve this social crisis. By creating more age-inclusive
spaces in civic buildings, architects encourage people from all generations to spend more time
together as a community. Making spaces that are designed for all ages, from children to older
adults, fosters stronger social bonds and helps everyone feel more welcome.

Why Socially Inclusive Architecture Is Crucial

Socially inclusive architecture that supports all age groups is important in every design, but
especially in civic buildings. Community centers, libraries, courthouses, and other civic spaces
serve all members of society, no matter their age or background. Everyone must have equal
access to the vital services these buildings provide.

HOWEVER, SOME CIVIC BUILDING

DESIGNS UNINTENTIONALLY
ALIENATE PEOPLE FROM CERTAIN
AGE GROUPS, PARTICULARLY
ELDERLY PEOPLE AND CHILDREN.
For example, aging populations may have physical limitations or psychological challenges that
civic building designers should account for, including:

 Decreased mobility

 Higher risk of slipping or falling

 Incontinence

 Memory, hearing, or vision loss

  Feelings of loneliness or isolation

These issues must be addressed at the design level, and go beyond the guidelines established by
the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). While all civic spaces must be ADA
compliant, socially inclusive architecture takes this a step further and ensures that elderly visitors
feel as comfortable as possible in these community spaces.

Likewise, some civic buildings fail to consider childrens’ unique needs. Young visitors may feel
uncomfortable in a civic building if:

 The furniture is too large

 The rooms look dark or intimidating

 There are no child-friendly activities available

By designing a civic building that addresses these age-specific challenges, you’ll ensure that
every member of the community feels like they belong.

Socially Inclusive Architecture That Supports Aging Populations

Many elderly people find traditional civic buildings difficult to navigate and uncomfortable to
visit. Even buildings that are ADA compliant may lack certain design details that make a space
more comfortable for aging populations.
If you want to support elderly members of your community, you should consider the following
socially inclusive architecture design principles.

 Create clear, unobstructed paths. To prevent falls, keep the main walkways clear of all
obstacles. Large open hallways and entrances are easier for everyone to move through.

 Use solid floor colors. High-contrast floor colors and busy patterns can trick the eye into
perceiving obstacles that don’t exist. If elderly visitors think they see a step or a hole in the floor,
they may trip or fall. Patternless light-colored floors are easier to see clearly.

 Improve the lighting in every room. Elderly visitors may have visual impairments that make it
hard to see in dim light. Having a combination of natural light and soft artificial lighting in the
space solves this problem.

 Test the acoustics. Some elderly people use hearing aids. While many modern aids effectively
filter out background noise, some don’t. Architects can make civic buildings more welcoming to
those who use hearing aids by dampening excessive noise. Soft furnishings and textured walls
prevent rooms from getting too loud.

 Make bathrooms more accessible. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study found
that more than 50 percent of the aging population experience some urinary incontinence. By
increasing the number of bathrooms on every floor, you can support this population.

 Have at least one single-occupancy bathroom per floor. Private bathrooms are more
comfortable for people who have incontinence because they can change sanitary pads or their
clothes in privacy. These bathrooms are also larger, making it easier for caregivers to help their
clients use the toilet or change.

 Offer discrete disposal areas for medical waste. Medical conditions should never be a source of
embarrassment. Having a place where people can dispose of sanitary pads, diabetic test strips,
or other medical waste in privacy is very important. You can install waste bins inside of each
bathroom stall or place a discrete bin just outside of the bathroom.

 Use durable seating materials. Some elderly people who have incontinence are afraid to leave
their homes in case they have an accident in public. A common worry is that they will stain or
damage seats. Dark-colored seats made from a spill and stain-resistant material puts visitors at
ease.

 Make seats more comfortable. Varying seat heights, sturdy chair arms, and ergonomic support
make everyone feel more comfortable, especially aging populations. They can more easily get in
and out of their seats, even if they have limited mobility.

Everyone wants to live in dignity, and this is especially true as we age. Socially inclusive
architecture helps us achieve this goal by removing the barriers that separate the young and old.
With thoughtful design, elderly visitors can spend more time in civic spaces without feeling
embarrassed or isolated.
Making Children Feel Welcome in Civic Spaces
Although children usually don’t have as many physical limitations as elderly visitors, young
visitors still have particular needs that civic architects should address. Most civic spaces are
designed with adults in mind. The furniture is large and the counters are tall, and this makes the
building intimidating to a small child.

To solve these challenges, designers use the following socially inclusive architecture ideas.

 Use child-sized furniture. Small chairs and tables show children that you made a space
specifically for them. Short, modular ottomans are another great option. Children can sit on
them or move them around the room to get more comfortable. When they’re not in use, adults
can rest their feet on them.

 Include bright colors and child-friendly imagery. If the space is meant for children, make this
clear by painting the walls cheery colors (like yellow or green). Fun motifs and wall murals also
make a room look more whimsical and inviting to a small child. We used this technique when we
designed a room for young readers at the Idyllwild Library in California.

 Use stain-resistant materials. Durable chairs and tables allow children to play without
limitations. If they spill juice or get marker ink on the furniture, it can be wiped away easily.

 Give children something to do. In areas where children might gather, like lobbies, waiting
rooms, or community activity centers, include a few child-friendly activities or play areas. This
could be a mini library shelf filled with books, a few toys, or a tablet where kids can play games.

Whether children are waiting for their guardians to take care of important business or they’re
spending time at a local community center after school, making space for them in civic buildings
is crucial. A well-designed civic building will foster a sense of connection with the community
early in life.
How to Incorporate Socially Inclusive Architecture in Your Design
There are five steps to incorporating age-conscious socially inclusive architecture in civic
buildings.

1. Appraise the design team’s expertise on age-related issues. Does the team understand what
challenges each age group faces and how to solve them?

2. Consult with end users who are impacted by age-related challenges. Incorporate their ideas and
needs into the design. You can also use virtual reality technology to assess whether the design is
effective before construction begins.

3. Meet regulatory minimums on inclusivity and diversity of use. Whenever possible, exceed these
guidelines.

4. Use lighting and furnishings to make the design look and feel more comfortable.

5. After the design is complete, gather post-occupancy data and make adjustments as needed.

The best way to accomplish this is by hiring an architecture firm that has experience designing
spaces for multiple age groups. HMC Architects has created many community-centered civic
buildings that cater to all ages, including the Quail Hill Community Center and the Liberty
Community Plaza. During the design process, we worked closely with the community and local
government to ensure that every detail exceeded visitors’ expectations. We believe that great
architecture has the power to bring many generations together under one roof for a common
cause.