Mar 20, 2018 4 min read

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According to the United States Census Bureau, the number of people age 65 and older in July 2015 (the most recent date for data available) was 47.8 million – that’s nearly 15 percent of the United States population. That was an increase in 1.6 million from 2014. Moreover, the projected population of people age 65 and older in the year 2060 is 98.2 million.

That’s a lot of people. And most of them, we’re willing to bet, would prefer to remain in their homes – a concept called “aging in place.” According to local interior designer Dee Dubell of D’s Designs, “The term ‘aging in place’ means different things to different people. There is not a cookie-cutter definition or solution,” she says. “In general, most people have a strong desire to remain in their homes because it gives them a sense of independence and autonomy.”

Dubell continues, “The concept of aging in place is universally accepted as a good idea because the benefits are so clear: freedom and dignity that come from staying in your own home, the ability to make your own decisions, the maintenance of friendships and community ties.”

Ergo, Dubell is seeing more and more clients with this concept as a goal. She’s gearing up for a two-bathroom remodel project with Lisa Steimer in a ranch in Fox Chapel. Steimer is 61, and says her goals for the project are beauty and function. Of course, she and her wife, who is 56, would prefer to remain in their home as long as possible.

“We plan to remodel the hall bath, off of the kitchen, and the bathroom that is directly next to the master, keeping with the style that Lisa now has – traditional, warm, inviting,” Dubell says.

The master bath will be redesigned with radiant heat in the floors, a seat in the shower and comfort-height toilets.

Things to keep in mind when designing (or re-designing) a home that will allow its owners to stay in it as long as possible are to know how the person currently lives, Dubell says. “I always ask what they do around the house that is becoming more difficult with time – possible difficulty in seeing or problems relating to arthritis, for example. Since each situation is different, the design concept is based on their needs and budgetary requirements.”

For those living in two-story homes, a barely-used room on the first floor can be converted into a master suite. Home elevators can be installed, as can stair lifts. Dubell says that today’s lifts can even go around corners. If the budget allows, a first floor bathroom can be added as well.

“Interior designers are a key element in successful aging in place,” Dubell says. “The mature market is requesting home modifications to make them more energy-efficient, convenient, comfortable and safe. The demand is for non-stigmatizing and aesthetically pleasing products.”

For more information, call 412.884.4244 or visit ddubelldesigns.com.

Quick fixes

Dee Dubell offers quick and budget-friendly ways to update a home with aging in place in mind.

• Install countertops with shaped edges and rounded corners will stand out visually and reduce bumps and bruises.
• Install easy access microwaves and roll out shelves.
• Replace your current faucets with sensor faucets in the kitchen and bathrooms.
• Switch out swinging doors with pocket doors or install wider doorways.
• Install ramps that are designed to complement the character of the home.
• Illuminate stairways.
• In the bathroom, incorporate grab bars, a moveable shower head, retractable bench and an electronic shower control for comfort and to prevent scalding.
• Purchase furniture with balance in mind – with arms that require a 90-degree vertical boost.
• Create color contrast between walls and floors to improve depth perception.