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All homes are not created equal, particularly when accommodating special needs. However, with good planning and helpful design inclusions, greater accessibility and comfort can be achieved. In 2022, more than one in five Australians was living with a disability1, including more than half of those over 65. And we’re not getting any younger: in 2020, over-65s made up 16 per cent of the population2, with numbers expected to grow.
Anticipating and addressing future requirements can smooth daily life as well as help people stay at home longer (The Royal Commission report into Aged Care Quality and Safety revealed 80 per cent3 of us would prefer to do so).
A basic principle is to reduce the risk of falls and make tasks as easy as possible, says Peter Sweatman, PhD, Caroma’s senior manager in product visualisation. So whether you’re buying, building, renovating or looking for a new rental, it’s worth considering inclusions to support assisted living, to improve access and livability for all.
Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.
Overall, a forever home should feel comfortable, adaptable, secure and inspiring, says Annabelle McQuillan, principal designer at Bespoke Belle Building Design, who points to the importance of designing homes with easy navigation, including wider rooms and circulation areas.
A single-level building presents the most user-friendly option, but if that’s not possible, a lift may be required. “Stairs can present a major challenge to people as they get older,” says Peter. “Level entry and access to the most important areas of the home, including at least one bathroom, can become essential.”
Another priority for older residents is good security. “We limit entry points and often include an intercom at the front door, along with design features that allow for street surveillance or a visual connection to a neighbour,” says Annabelle. Where possible, devise a separate, self-contained area of the home for family members or carers to stay, either short- or long-term, suggests Annabelle. “We also create inspiring and purposeful spaces for hobbies – whether a sunny garden, library, workshop or craft room – to make staying at home enjoyable.”
A well-lit home can help to reduce the risk of falls as well as promote a sense of wellbeing. “Good lighting is key in a forever home,” says Annabelle of indoor lighting. “We use dimmable main lights, task lighting and step lights for stairs, along with sensor night lights for halls and ensuites. The colour temperature is carefully chosen – neutral for task areas and warmer in bedrooms to support natural circadian rhythms.” Bright, even lighting is important, says Peter, who suggests having options for different lighting levels for different times of the day.
“Being able to turn on subdued lighting in the middle of the night makes toilet visits less disruptive,” he says. “Sometimes people will avoid turning lights on because they are worried it will be too bright, so they risk stumbling in the dark.” Look for switches that are user friendly for elderly hands and have them positioned for ease of access, such as by the bed. For the tech savvy, a home-automation scheme that operates things like lighting, security, heating and cooling from a tablet or smart phone could be the way to go.
Softer floor surfaces are not only more comfortable to walk on but also help reduce injuries in falls, says Annabelle. “I avoid polished concrete and tiles, opting for natural or engineered timber and carpet instead,” she explains. Select low-pile carpet over rugs, which can slip or become a trip hazard. Vinyl, available in a wide range of styles, is another option that’s more forgiving underfoot. Transition strips between rooms and different surfaces should be as low profile as possible, and look to have flush sills for door thresholds giving access to the outdoors.
Tall overhead cupboards and high shelving are best avoided in kitchens for older households. Drawers allow easy access to items, and provide significantly more storage space than cupboards, so get the tick of approval. “We focus on reducing the need for high or low reaching, with appliances such as wall ovens, wall microwaves and single dish-drawer dishwashers placed just below the counter,” explains Annabelle. “Plenty of bench space and appliance cupboards minimise the need to lift heavy items.” Handles are easier to grasp than knobs for arthritic hands, as are lever taps. Annabelle also likes to include comfortable seating at bench height, “Or a lower, table-height bench area so you can sit down and enjoy preparing meals,” she says.
Roominess is key in an assisted living bathroom design. “Providing extra space to move around makes it more comfortable and allows space for things such as walkers and shower chairs,” says Peter. “It also makes it much easier if someone is helping you.” If there’s room for a bath, keep it separate from the shower zone and avoid having a shower over the bath. “They are difficult to access and have a small slippery standing area,” warns Peter. “A step-free shower with a wide entry is a much better option.” For the shower itself, an adjustable hand shower on a grab rail offers the greatest flexibility. Your choice of toilet is important too. “Generally, people will find getting up and down from a taller toilet easier and more comfortable,” explains Peter. Try before you buy is the message here.
Securely fitted grab rails are a great help in the home - good for transition zones and areas where changes of level are unavoidable – but especially in the bathroom. “A big help is having something solid to hold on to where you need it, like getting up and down off the toilet and in and out of the shower,” says Peter, who adds that adequate storage in the bathroom is often underestimated. “Think ahead about where you store things you need for your daily routines,” he says.
• The Livable Housing Design Guidelines provide excellent direction on critical dimensions and consideration for seniors living design,” says Peter.
• Read more about designing adaptable homes, where people can age in place.
• Find out more about ageing-at-home options and government-supported home-care packages that can give you help when you need it, from Age Care Decisions and My Aged Care.
• Hardwired electrical work must be carried out by a licensed tradesperson.
• Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.
• Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings.
Check out our assisted living ranges that include daily living and mobility aids, home safety, smart home, garden living, bathroom safety, and home modification products.
Photo credit: Rachael Tagg and Lean Timms.• Australian Bureau of Statistics.
• Australian Institute for Health and Welfare.
• Australian Ageing Agenda.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
