For many people, the choice to age in place is more appealing than moving into an assistive care facility, but the physical demands of living in an independent home can make that difficult. In-law suites are a great middle ground that allows seniors to maintain independence while being close to loved ones who can support them. However, there are some considerations you’ll need to make if you want to design an in-law suite that can continue to accommodate aging loved ones.
At Dorothy Builds LLC, designing and building in-law suites is one of the areas in which we excel. Our team has plenty of great tips for creating accessible in-law suites that support aging in place, and below, we’ll go over some of our top recommendations.
- Single-Level Suites– Stairs can get progressively more challenging and hazardous as we age, but single-level in-law suites that include all the necessities on one level eliminate the need for stairs or steps.
- Wide Doorways & Halls– Your in-law suite should be able to accommodate mobility aids like wheelchairs, walkers, and scooters, so consider including extra-wide doorways and halls to ensure navigating them is easy.
- Zero-Threshold Entry– Seamless transitions between rooms minimize tripping hazards and help ensure that those who use mobility aids can easily enter or exit a room on their own.
- Kitchenette Accessibility– Features like varying countertop heights and pull-out shelves or drawers ensure that in-law suites can accommodate seniors with varying mobility and range of motion levels.
- Ample Lighting– Another important feature of in-law suites is excellent lighting, including a good mix of natural and artificial light. Make sure that there are plenty of overhead and task lighting options, especially in areas like the kitchenette, bathroom, and bedroom.
If you’re considering adding an in-law suite to your home, we can help. Contact our office to learn more about our accessible design solutions that help ensure your loved ones are safe and comfortable.