Creating a home environment that supports aging in place is about more than just removing obstacles; it’s about enhancing your quality of life.

Barrier-free living involves making your home fully accessible, removing or modifying elements that could lead to injury or hinder your enjoyment and independence. This approach can include technological upgrades, construction modifications, and changes to interior design.

Barrier-free living involves making your home fully accessible, removing or modifying elements that could lead to injury or hinder your enjoyment and independence. This approach can include technological upgrades, construction modifications, and changes to interior design.

Examples of Barrier-Free Design:

• Smart Home Technology: Use voice commands, smartphones, tablets, or computers to control electronics and home systems like heating and cooling.
• Adding Brighter Lights: Enhance visibility throughout the home.
• Ramps: Provide wheelchair access to and from the home.
• Chair Lifts: Enable movement between levels without using stairs.
• Lowering Work Areas and Light Switches: Make counters and switches accessible for wheelchair users.
• Sturdy Railings: Install railings in key areas like bathrooms and laundry rooms to prevent falls.
• Widening Hallways and Doors: Facilitate easier movement with wheelchairs, walkers, or canes.
• Rearranging Furniture: Open up space and position items like lamps within easy reach.

Safety is the primary reason for adapting your home to be barrier-free. According to the National Council on Aging, falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for adults 50+. By reducing barriers, you significantly lower the risk of falls and other injuries.

Living in a barrier-free home allows you to stay in your current residence and age in place. By making the necessary modifications, you may avoid the need for senior housing options or the emotional and financial stress of selling your long-time home.

Universal design takes the concept of barrier-free living further by creating homes that are fully accessible from the outset. This approach ensures that homes are suitable for people of all ages, abilities, and disabilities while maintaining aesthetic appeal.

Universal Design Features:

• Seamless Integration: Accessibility features are built into the home’s original design, ensuring functionality without compromising on style.
• Versatile Spaces: Rooms are designed to be adaptable for various uses over time.
• Inclusive Elements: Features like wide doorways, lever handles, and non-slip surfaces are standard.

Choosing a home with universal design means you won’t have to undergo extensive modifications.

There’s more to universal design and aging-in-place solutions than just wider door frames and shower handles.

You need an expert.

Carla Stevens, a certified Aging in Place Specialist, brings over 17 years of experience supporting mature adults and healthcare professionals in the Iowa Corridor, including Cedar Springs and Iowa City. Dedicated to the 55+ community, she helps individuals age in place or transition to new homes that meet evolving needs, emphasizing independence and activity. Her expertise ensures that your home enhances your independence and activity.