Building a Home for Ageing in Place: Design Considerations

Building a home that supports ageing in place is more than just a trend—it’s a necessity for many Australians who want to remain in their own homes as they grow older. At Hamilton Bardin, we understand the importance of creating spaces that are not only functional but also comfortable, safe, and conducive to independent living. 

Whether you’re planning to build from scratch or renovate your current home, the design decisions you make today can have a significant impact on your ability to live in your space well into the future. Through essential design principles, practical modifications, and key considerations, you can create a home that can adapt to your needs as you age gracefully and independently.

What Is Ageing In Place And Why Should You Consider It?

Defining Ageing In Place

Ageing in place refers to the ability to live safely, comfortably, and independently in one’s own home and community, regardless of age or ability. It’s a concept that’s gaining more attention as the baby boomer generation continues to age. At Hamilton Bardin, we’ve worked on several projects where clients wanted to ensure their homes were not just for today, but for the future, ensuring they would be functional as they age.

Why Ageing In Place Is Beneficial For Older Adults

I remember a client in Melbourne who had lived in her family home for over 30 years. The thought of leaving was unbearable to her, and the cost of moving to a retirement village didn’t sit well with her either. What struck me was the emotional connection she had to her home, and how deeply she valued the comfort and familiarity it provided.

• Honours Wishes, and Independence: Ageing in place respects the independence of individuals, allowing them to continue managing their day-to-day lives. It’s about retaining control over their environment, decisions, and daily routines – something that can be lost in institutional care settings.

• Comfort and Familiarity: Being in a familiar space provides emotional comfort. You know where everything is, from the sounds to the smells and the routines. For some, this can be a source of solace, especially in later years when they may be facing health challenges.

• Health Benefits: Staying in a familiar environment can help reduce stress and the risk of depression. One client of ours was a retired nurse, and she was quick to highlight that moving into a care facility after her husband’s passing would have only increased her anxiety, despite the supposed benefits of extra care.

• Cost Savings: When you factor in the costs of residential care facilities, which can be astronomical in places like Melbourne, ageing in place often proves to be a more cost-effective option. Home care services and modifications are far less expensive than long-term care facilities, which is a significant consideration for many families.

Despite these benefits, a major concern remains: the risk of falls. They are the leading cause of injury for older adults, and around one in four Australians aged 65 and over experience a fall every year. Many of our design choices focus on preventing falls, particularly in the bathroom – a place where 80% of falls among seniors occur.

Universal Design: Key Principles For Age-Friendly Home Design

Single-Story Living And Open Floor Plans For Accessibility

When discussing “age-friendly” homes, we often recommend single-story living. It’s simple – stairs become an obstacle as you age, and even small steps can turn into a major hazard. We worked on a project in Brighton where the homeowner, an older couple, had lived in a two-storey home for decades. 

However, after one of them experienced a fall, they requested that we redesign the space for improved accessibility. By relocating their main living areas downstairs, we gave them the peace of mind that they could age in place without worrying about navigating stairs.

Open Floor Plan Advantages:

• Enhanced mobility for individuals using wheelchairs or walkers.
• Better sightlines for ease of movement.
• Future flexibility for redesigns without major structural changes.

An open floor plan was also a key element of this design. Wide, clear pathways between rooms are essential for avoiding obstacles and allowing for easy movement, whether you’re walking, using a walker, or relying on a wheelchair. For example, removing walls that blocked sightlines not only made the home feel more spacious but also made it safer, as it allowed for better visibility and access.

Wide Doorways And Hallways

One key feature I always emphasise to clients is the importance of wide doorways and hallways. In an ideal accessible home, doorways should be at least 36 inches wide (approximately 90 cm in metric). This ensures that wheelchairs and walkers can move through the space without hassle. We recently renovated an older home in Caulfield, and we widened all the doorways to 40 inches, allowing for easy passage and creating a more open feel throughout the house.

Hallway and Doorway Dimensions:

Type of Passage	Minimum Width	Preferred Width
Doorways	32 inches (81 cm)	36 inches (91 cm)
Hallways	36 inches (91 cm)	40-42 inches (102-107 cm)

The hallways, too, should be wide enough to accommodate mobility aids comfortably. A minimum of 36 inches is required, but 40-42 inches is preferred to provide a better experience, especially when two people need to pass each other.

Flooring: Safety First

Choosing the right flooring is essential for a home designed for ageing in place. During the renovation of a senior’s home in Malvern, we replaced their old timber floors with slip-resistant vinyl. This type of flooring not only looks great but also provides a safer walking surface. It’s easy to clean, durable, and doesn’t become slippery when wet, which is a crucial feature in bathrooms or kitchens.

Here’s a breakdown of flooring materials suited for ageing in place:

Flooring Type	Advantages	Considerations
Slip-Resistant Vinyl	Easy to clean, non-slip, durable	May need to be replaced over time
Textured Concrete	Low maintenance, durable, non-slip	Cold underfoot, may need floor heating
Porcelain Tile	Durable, non-slip with textured grout	Can be cold, requires careful sealing
Cork	Soft underfoot, environmentally friendly	Can be damaged by water or heavy furniture

We also took extra care to ensure there were no tripping hazards from area rugs or transitions between rooms. Even slight height differences between rooms can pose a risk, so we opted for smooth, seamless transitions, ensuring that wheelchairs and walkers could glide easily through the entire house.

Lighting And Hardware: Enhancing Safety And Comfort In The Home

Optimising Lighting For Better Visibility And Safety

Light plays a major role in preventing accidents and creating a comfortable living space. Many older adults, including some of our clients, report that their eyesight deteriorates over time, and poor lighting can exacerbate this. In a recent project in Toorak, we installed additional windows and strategically placed task lighting in key areas, including the kitchen, bathroom, and hallway.

Lighting Types for Ageing in Place:

Layered Lighting:

• Ambient lighting for overall brightness.
• Task lighting in work areas such as kitchens and bathrooms.
• Accent lighting to highlight features like artwork or steps.

Smart Lighting:

• Motion-detecting lights that automatically turn on when you enter a room.
• Dimmers to control the intensity based on the time of day or specific needs.

I recommend using warm, white light (around 3000-4000K) for indoor lighting, as it mimics natural daylight, making it easier for ageing eyes to see. Installing dimmer switches throughout the home is another small modification that can have a big impact. It gives residents control over the lighting intensity, making it easier to adjust based on the time of day or specific needs.

Choosing Accessible Hardware For Convenience

It’s the small details, such as replacing round knobs with lever handles, that can make a significant difference in daily life. For seniors, especially those with arthritis or limited strength, lever-style handles are far easier to operate. We used these types of handles in a recent apartment build for a couple in their 70s, and they loved the added convenience.

We also ensured the installation of D-shaped cabinet pulls and long, smooth handles on appliances, all of which were designed with accessibility in mind. For example, we installed these on the kitchen cabinets in a home we built in Glen Iris, which greatly improved accessibility for the homeowner, who had limited hand mobility.

Room-Specific Modifications: Designing For Comfort And Independence

Designing The Kitchen For Senior Living

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and when designing for ageing in place, it needs to be both functional and safe. In one of our recent projects in Hawthorn, we worked with a couple in their early 70s. The wife, who had limited mobility due to a knee replacement, needed a kitchen where she could work efficiently without straining herself. We made several modifications, and the result was a space that allowed her to move around easily while also reducing the risk of accidents.

Key Kitchen Design Features for Seniors:

1. Layout and Clearance:

• The “work triangle” – the area between the sink, stove, and fridge – should be designed for ease of access. We ensured there was 48 inches of clearance between the cabinets and islands, which is ideal for seniors using mobility aids.
• A multi-level work area is essential. In this project, we included a lower counter for seated users, making food preparation more comfortable without requiring them to stand for extended periods.

2. Appliance Choices:

• We placed the microwave at counter height to eliminate the need to reach up. This simple change helped reduce the risk of straining or spilling hot food.
• Side-by-side refrigerators are a great choice, as they eliminate the need to bend over or reach for items on high shelves.
• Induction cooktops were installed, as they stay cool to the touch, making them safer than traditional stovetops.

3. Sinks and Countertops:

• A shallow sink was installed to reduce back strain. Additionally, we included a hands-free faucet that could be operated with a touch, making it more convenient for individuals with limited hand strength.
• We also rounded the edges of the countertops to avoid accidents and ensure easy access for wheelchair users.

4. Cabinetry and Storage:

• Pull-out pantries and pull-down shelves were added to eliminate the need to bend and reach for items. These storage solutions can be life-changing for seniors.
• We also opted for soft-close drawers to prevent any sudden closures that could potentially cause injuries.

Bathroom Modifications To Prevent Falls And Improve Safety

Bathrooms are one of the highest-risk areas for falls in the home. In a recent project in Kew, we worked on a renovation where the client’s primary concern was safety in the bathroom. The couple, both in their 70s, wanted to ensure that the space was not only safe but also aesthetically pleasing.

Key Bathroom Modifications:

1. Showers:

• We installed curbless showers, which provide easy entry for wheelchairs or walkers and eliminate tripping hazards. We also added a built-in folding bench in the shower, providing comfort and safety for anyone who may need to sit while bathing.
• The shower floor is made with slip-resistant mosaic tiles, ensuring safety even when wet.

2. Toilets:

• Comfort-height toilets were installed to make sitting and standing easier for seniors. In some cases, we also added toilet risers for added convenience.
• Grab bars were strategically placed near the toilet, making it easier to rise from the seat.

3. Sinks and Vanities:

• We opted for wall-mounted sinks to provide knee space for wheelchair users.
• The addition of touchless faucets made it easier to use the sink, especially for those with arthritis or limited hand mobility.
• Lever-style faucets were installed to reduce strain on the hands further.

Bedroom Design For Better Mobility And Comfort

The bedroom should be a retreat, but for ageing in place, it also needs to be a safe, easy-to-navigate space. In one recent project in Glen Waverley, we designed a bedroom layout that provided both comfort and accessibility for a couple in their early 80s.

Key Bedroom Design Features:

1. Location:

• The bedroom was moved to the main floor, eliminating the need for stairs. This simple yet effective modification ensured the couple could navigate easily without the risk of falling.

2. Bed Height:

• The bed was designed with a low profile (20-23 inches from the mattress top to the floor), making it easier for the residents to get in and out. A bed height of 21 inches is ideal for seniors, as it reduces the need for bending or exerting too much effort when getting in or out of bed.

3. Clearance:

• We ensured there was at least 36 inches of clearance around the bed, allowing for easy movement, even with mobility aids. Pathways were kept clear of clutter, which can be a common cause of accidents in the bedroom.

4. Nightstands and Storage:

• Nightstands were placed at the same height as the bed, making it easier for the couple to access their medications, glasses, or water at night without having to stretch or bend awkwardly.
• Closet rods were lowered, and pull-down shelves were installed to make accessing clothing easier for those with limited mobility.

Outdoor Spaces: Designing Safe And Engaging Environments

Creating a safe and comfortable outdoor environment is essential for ageing in place. In Melbourne, where we enjoy a mild climate, we always recommend designing outdoor spaces that encourage movement while ensuring safety and accessibility.

Key Features for Outdoor Spaces:

1. Pathways:

• Wide, non-slip pathways (at least 48 inches wide) were created in a recent project in Brighton. These pathways were designed to accommodate walkers, wheelchairs, and mobility scooters. We used poured concrete and rubber pavers, which are durable and safe for outdoor use.

2. Seating and Shade:

• For seating, we added comfortable, stable benches with armrests in shaded areas, allowing seniors to rest while enjoying the outdoors. These benches were placed in spots where seniors could enjoy the garden or take in the view, ensuring they have a peaceful place to relax.

3. Gardening:

• Raised garden beds were installed, allowing seniors to enjoy gardening without bending over. These modifications encourage active living, providing both physical and mental benefits.

4. Lighting:

• Automatic lighting was added along the paths, ensuring visibility in the dark. We also made sure the outdoor lighting matched the interior lighting in terms of brightness and warmth, creating a seamless transition from inside to outside.

Designing a home for ageing in place is about more than just making space accessible; it’s about creating an environment that fosters independence, safety, and comfort. By integrating universal design principles and considering the specific needs of ageing adults, you can ensure your home will serve you well for years to come. 

Whether you’re renovating your existing space or building a new one, taking the time to plan and implement thoughtful modifications will allow you to live in your home as comfortably and independently as possible. At Hamilton Bardin, we’re committed to helping our clients create homes that are not only functional but also enhance their quality of life.