How to Design a Custom Home for Aging in Place

Aging in place is about staying in the home you love while maintaining independence, comfort, and safety as you grow older, even if this stage of your life is still far on the horizon. More homeowners around Delaware are choosing to build their homes with aging-in-place design in mind, ensuring their spaces remain functional and accessible for years.

Bromwell Construction specializes in designing custom homes with universal design features that make daily life easier, all without making your home look like a hospital. As aging-in-place builders, we help homeowners throughout Wilmington and surrounding areas of Delaware and Chester County create spaces as beautiful as they are practical.

The Benefits of Aging in Place in Delaware

Choosing to age in place comes with a range of benefits that go beyond convenience. More homeowners are working with aging-in-place contractors near Delaware to future-proof their homes and avoid the costs and challenges of assisted living. 

Independence & Comfort

Aging in place means staying in control of your daily routine. With the right design choices, such as a first-floor bedroom and non-slip flooring, you can move freely throughout your home without needing constant assistance.

Cost Savings Over Time

The cost of assisted living facilities can add up quickly. Investing in universal design for aging in place allows you to stay in your home longer while avoiding the financial burden of moving to a specialized care facility.

Increased Home Value & Marketability 

Homes with aging-in-place design are becoming more desirable. Features like barrier-free showers, toe-kick cabinets, and wider hallways appeal to seniors and families looking for long-term livability.

Essential Aging-in-Place Design Features

A well-designed aging-in-place home prioritizes accessibility, safety, and ease of use. The key to a successful aging-in-place design is incorporating universal design features that work for people of all ages and mobility levels without sacrificing style. 

No-Step Entryways & Wider Doorways

Navigating a home with mobility aids like walkers or wheelchairs requires thoughtful planning. That’s why wider doorways (at least 36 inches) and zero-step entryways are critical for aging in place. These features eliminate tripping hazards and allow for easier movement throughout the home.

First-Floor Living: The Holy Grail of Aging in Place

One of the most critical aspects of aging-in-place home design is minimizing the need to navigate stairs. A first-floor bedroom and bathroom create a more accessible living space and reduce the risk of falls. Include a primary suite, laundry, and storage to ensure everything important is close at hand.

Non-Slip Flooring & Contrast in Design

Falls are a leading cause of injury for older adults, so non-slip flooring is a must. Textured tile, luxury vinyl plank (LVP), and low-pile carpet provide traction while reducing trip hazards. Incorporating high-contrast design elements like darker flooring with lighter walls improves visibility for those with declining eyesight.

Open Floor Plans for Easy Navigation

An open-concept design minimizes obstructions and allows for better maneuverability. Removing unnecessary walls, widening hallways, and ensuring smooth flooring transitions between rooms make daily movement simple and intuitive.

Easy-to-Use Door Handles & Switches

Traditional door knobs and toggle light switches can be difficult for people with arthritis or limited dexterity. Simple modifications include:

• Lever-style door handles require less grip strength.

• Rocker light switches are easier to operate than small flip switches.

• Smart lighting systems allow lights to be turned on and off with voice commands or motion sensors.

Bathroom Modifications for Aging in Place

The bathroom is one of the most important areas to modify for aging-in-place design. Slippery surfaces, high step-in tubs, and hard-to-reach storage can make daily routines challenging and even hazardous. 

Aging-in-Place Shower Design

A well-designed shower is central to an accessible bathroom. The best aging-in-place shower design includes the following.

• Barrier-free shower entry: A barrier-free shower eliminates the need to step over a tub or curb, reducing the risk of tripping.

• Shower grab bar placement: Strategically placed grab bars inside and outside the shower provide stability. They should be installed at varying heights to assist with both standing and sitting.

• Built-in shower bench: A built-in shower bench allows for comfortable seated bathing, which is especially helpful for those with limited mobility.

• Handheld showerhead: A handheld showerhead on a sliding bar allows for easy height adjustment and better control. 

Comfort-Height Toilets & Accessible Vanities

• Comfort-height toilets (which are 17–19 inches high) make sitting down and standing up easier.

• Wall-mounted or open-space vanities allow for wheelchair accessibility.

• Toe kick cabinets provide space for seated users while keeping storage convenient and within reach. 

Flooring & Slip-Resistant Surfaces

Choosing the right flooring is crucial in an aging-in-place bathroom. Non-slip flooring—such as textured tile or slip-resistant vinyl—provides grip, even when wet. Matte finishes on tiles help reduce glare, which can make it easier for those with declining vision to navigate the space.

Kitchen Design for Accessibility and Safety

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and aging-in-place kitchen design ensures it remains functional and easy to use for years to come. 

Thoughtful Cabinet & Countertop Design

• Toe kick cabinets: Lower cabinets with recessed toe kick spaces allow wheelchair users to get closer to the counter while preparing meals.

• Pull-down and pull-out shelving: Upper cabinets can be difficult to reach, but pull-down shelves make stored items more accessible. Pull-out lower shelves prevent excessive bending.

• Contrasting countertops: Choosing a color that contrasts with the cabinets helps those with declining vision distinguish work surfaces more easily.

Smart Kitchen Features

• Touchless faucets simplify dishwashing and handwashing.

• Voice-controlled lighting ensures visibility without needing to fumble for switches.

• Drawer-style dishwashers reduce bending and are easier to load and unload.

Accessible Appliances & Workstations

• Side-opening wall ovens allow for easier access compared to traditional drop-down oven doors.

• Induction cooktops reduce the risk of burns by only heating cookware, not the cooktop surface.

• Counter-height microwaves (rather than over-the-range models) improve accessibility and safety.

Planning for the Future: Smart Home & Assistive Technology

Technology plays an increasing role in universal design for aging in place, offering convenience and security while allowing homeowners to stay independent longer. Smart home features reduce physical effort and add layers of safety.

Voice-activated & Automated Systems

• Smart thermostats adjust temperature automatically, optimizing comfort and energy efficiency.

• Voice-activated lighting eliminates the need to fumble for switches in the dark.

• Motorized window treatments allow users to adjust blinds or shades with the push of a button or a voice command.

Security & Emergency Monitoring

• Video doorbells and smart locks provide added security, allowing homeowners to see and communicate with visitors without opening the door.

• Medical alert systems can be integrated with smart home hubs to call for help in case of an emergency.

Remote Monitoring & Automation for Caregivers

For those with aging parents, smart home monitoring allows caregivers to check in remotely. Features like motion sensors, water leak detectors, and medication reminders help create a safer, more manageable home environment.

Your Delaware Aging-in-Place Builders

While DIY modifications can help, working with aging-in-place builders ensures that your home is fully optimized for long-term comfort, safety, and accessibility.

Why Experience Matters

Not all contractors specialize in aging-in-place design. A knowledgeable aging-in-place contractor like Bromwell Construction understands how to incorporate universal design features seamlessly, ensuring that modifications blend into the home’s architecture rather than stand out as clinical add-ons.

The Benefits of Hiring a Design-Build Firm

Choosing a design-build firm, one that handles both the design and construction, streamlines the remodeling process. 

• Seamless planning and execution: The design and construction teams work together to create a cohesive plan.

• Accurate cost estimates: A single team ensures budget accuracy and avoids unexpected costs.

• Custom solutions: Every home is different, and a design-build approach allows for tailored modifications that suit both your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences.

Let’s Design Your Forever Home in Delaware or Chester County, PA

Bromwell Construction offers expertly designed aging-in-place services for homeowners in Delaware and surrounding areas. If you’re planning to build a custom home for aging in place, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Ready to start designing your forever home? Contact us today for a consultation!