Homes & Gardens: How seniors can benefit from good design in their homes

Attractiveness is only one aspect of good design. Before addressing the aesthetics, it’s crucial to consider safety and functionality. A professional designer always looks at what works and what doesn’t work for you. Seniors can live more safely at home if some basics are covered. For instance, good lighting is critical. Use brighter bulbs (you can put them on a dimmer). Lamps can be put on timers so you never have to fumble in the dark for a switch. Nightlights offer a soft glow so if you wake up at night you can orient yourself.

Make sure you are vigilant about controlling clutter -- floors and walkways should be as clear as possible. Put things away! Scatter mats can be slippery so avoid using them. Use a small ladder to reach higher items because chairs can be unsteady. There is a two-step style that has a grab bar at the front so you are well-supported. It’s perfect for reaching as high as an eight-foot ceiling.

Try arranging your furniture to allow easy access to your windows and window coverings. Some blind manufacturers make their products with power assists to make them easier to lift. If you have the budget for it, motorization allows you to operate your window coverings with a remote control! Men seem to love these!

Safety in the kitchen is extremely important. There must always be "resting space" on either side of the range, beside the microwave and preferably the refrigerator. This surface should be fire resistant. If using a laminate counter top, such as Formica or Arborite, a heat-resistant surface should be placed to protect the counter from being damaged. Laminate counter tops are actually plastic and will melt when they come into contact with heat.

Another safety reminder concerns the range hood. If a gas cook top or range is being used, it is important to have the blower turned on, because gas appliances emit carbon monoxide, which is poisonous. The fan will eliminate these toxins and also assist in keeping your home clean by pulling steam, odours and grease out of the room. There are many units on the market now that are quieter and are very attractive as well. When purchasing a hood, be sure to tell the sales person what type of range or cook top you have because they must be matched up to CFM units (cubic feet per minute).

Front-loading washers and dryers are now available with platforms that raise them up off the floor. This gives easier access to the machines. If you have the space, think about moving your washer and dryer upstairs near your bedroom, because that’s where most laundry originates. It saves you carrying heavy hampers up and down stairs. A spare bedroom could become a laundry centre where you keep your ironing board set up.

If you’re renovating your bathroom, consider having the sink cabinet built higher to make it more user friendly—your back will thank you! Even toilets can be raised with a new product that lifts them up off the floor several inches. It’s called a ‘Toilevator’. At the same time, install grab bars in the shower/bath area. A seat in the shower is a luxury that makes sense, so include that in your plans if you have the space.

Don't forget the value of adding living plants to your interior spaces. Not only do they add life and beauty to your home, but they also improve the air quality. (Plants use carbon dioxide to grow and produce oxygen as a result.)

Regardless of whether you have sunny window spaces or low-light areas, there are plants suitable for all light conditions and they come in a variety of sizes as well. With a well chosen pot or container, plants can enhance any interior. Those that flower can really lift your spirits on even the dreariest days, especially if you are housebound!

Sometimes when you’ve lived in a home for many years, you can benefit from a consultation with a professional who will look at the space with fresh eyes and give you many ideas of what things are possible. Make a list of what works for you and what doesn’t, what you’ve always wished you could do but haven’t, think about how far your budget can stretch -- and let the designer work some magic. You will gain peace of mind and hopefully fall in love with your home all over again.

This article was written by the members of LIKEdesigns, a design company working throughout the western GTA.

Members are Carol Budd, Kitchen and Bath Designer (905.847.7022), Gabriele Davies, Horticulturalist and Landscape Designer (416.620.7217), and Cynthia Taylor-Luce, Interior Decorator (905.336.7366).

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