by Robert Borges on January 20, 2025
When considering housing options for active senior residents in fifty-five-plus communities, you may find some similarities in the design features of the homes. For example, many attached homes in active-adult adult communities are single-story with open floor plans.
They also often have lots of natural light, private outdoor spaces (e.g., patios, decks, and porches), carefully thought-through bathrooms and kitchens, and offices or designated working spaces.
Ease-of-Living Considerations
Experienced developers and builders of active senior housing options understand the importance of creating a home environment that allows seniors to live as comfortably and actively as they desire. This means offering resort-like amenities and designing a home that can meet any changing needs residents have along the way.
Let’s take a look at how attached homes meet these goals:
Open Floor Plans With Natural Light
Stairs can be a challenge for seniors. Many attached homes in age-restricted communities are single-story and have open floor plans with many windows for sunlight to pour through. The natural light makes it easier for residents to maneuver around the home and adds an uplifting ambiance to a living space that enhances their state of mind.
Installing ample artificial lighting and brighter bulbs throughout a home will make it easier for senior residents to read, dress, and move around at night without tripping. Thermostats and light switches should be intuitive, in easy-to-reach locations, and placed at appropriate heights.
Outdoor Spaces That Provide Privacy and Fresh Air
Attached homes often have decks, patios, or porches that are accessible from the ground level without any stairs involved. These areas offer a way to enjoy the outdoors with some privacy but are also maintained by the homeowners’ association. Some homes have raised flower beds, making it easier for gardeners to enjoy their passion.
Interior Design Features That Support a Senior Lifestyle
No-step entryways reduce the risk of falls and make it much easier for residents to come and go as they please. They can be installed at doors that provide indoor-outdoor access and entry to other interior rooms.
In bathrooms, you may find zero-step bathtubs and showers with a place to sit, as well handheld showerheads. Floors and bathtubs should be constructed with non-slip materials. Grab bars and rails in showers, bathtubs, and toilets are another addition that may be helpful. Raised toilets also make it easier for seniors to stand and sit.
In kitchens, stoves, microwaves, and ovens should have front-mounted controls and be strategically located for easy access. Adjustable-height countertops and cabinets are another tool to make a kitchen more senior-friendly.
Cabinets and other storage units should also be easily accessible. For seniors still working or actively participating in a craft or hobby, many detached homes have offices or nooks with built-in desks.
Home Designs Need to Be Flexible
Planning is part of the aging process. Now is the time to enjoy the activities you love most, but being ready to accommodate changing mobility issues is a reality that can be addressed with tasteful design features that allow you to stay in your home more easily. Accessibility might not be necessary now, but it could be part of your journey in the future.
The first step in finding a well-designed home that you love is visiting the Private Communities platform. Here, you can find an attached home with senior-friendly design elements that make it the perfect option for planning your future!
