Colorado Real Estate Journal - April 20, 2016
Senior housing is residences designed for people 55 and older. These residences can be single-family homes, apartments, condominiums or townhomes. The demand for such housing has expanded significantly with the explosive growth of the baby boomer generation entering this phase of their lives. These residents are typically active individuals or couples who do not require assistance or extended health care. They enjoy entertaining and social opportunities, enjoy the outdoors and would prefer a small yard for their dog or gardening. They have raised their families and enjoy the occasional extended visit of their grandchildren. Downsizing. The traditional 5,000-square-foot family home feels too large or they wish to engage in travel or activities and do not want to maintain such a large residence. Whatever the reasons, they are looking to downsize. But downsize does not have to equal compromise. How much space is required? The active senior desires a smaller living space without sacrificing the residence’s aesthetic design and functional adjacencies. They want their private suite(s) and desire a home office area away from the public. There should be a multifunctional/guest suite. Most active seniors still drive their own cars they require a minimum of a two-car garage and would prefer a three-car garage. Seniors tend to accumulate possessions and need storage space. These are just some spaces to consider and they want this in a 1,500- to 2,500-sf residence that is accessible on one level. Access. Barrier-free access design concepts should be utilized, when feasible, at the main and garage entry locations. Zero steps, or the use of ramps when needed, should be used to access the main door and the garage entry door. Zero-step access also should be utilized to the outdoor entertainment area. All accessible entry doorways should be a minimum of 36 inches in width and use lever handled hardware. Swing action doors provide less of a threshold transition and are easier to operate. Sliding door thresholds may require recessing or a custom-built threshold transition to allow for wheelchair access. However, sliding doors can be difficult for the physically impaired to operate. Maintain exterior deck or patio materials to minimize slip hazard. Access to gardens or yards needs to be ramped or zero steps. Provide raised planting beds with firm walkways and ledges for seating. The owners’ suite (private) should always be accessible from the main floor or by use of a lift or elevator if located on a floor above or below the main floor. Allow for access around the bed and maintain clear paths to the bathroom and closet areas. The shower should be roll-in compatible or a step-in tub. Allow for a 30-inch-by-48-inch floor space at toilet and shower/ tub to assist in transferring from the mobility device. At a minimum, install the blocking for grab bars and accessories at showers/tubs and toilet location. The grab bars and shower seats can be installed later when needed. All lavatory and shower/tub controls should be lever handles and within easy reach. Selection of flooring materials in the bathroom should minimize slip hazard. Function. The entertainment (public) areas should be an open plan that includes living/family/great room, kitchen and dining areas that flow to an outdoor entertaining space, a deck, patio or yard. The kitchen tends to be the lifeblood of a home for seniors. It is the gathering place, the central hub from where everything radiates. The following are a few design options that will make this room much more functional. The plan should allow for future wheelchair or walker accessibility. Maintain a clear minimum 30 inches by 48 inches of floor space and approaches to appliances and counters. Place the microwave on a shelf below the countertop instead of above it. Provide easy pull handles and slide-outs to help with access to lower cabinets. Provide a countertop area that is lower. Provide a pantry closet with shallower shelves vs. a pantry cabinet with deeper shelves. Consider flooring materials that minimize slippage conditions and provide for seamless transitions between flooring materials.