Aging in place is an important issue for many seniors. If you live in Marin County, you may know that seniors make up about 27% of the population. Given the option, many would prefer to live in their homes. However, adjustments are not always simple or easily affordable.
Architects can help in assessing a home to provide solutions that weigh practicality and design aesthetics. In larger, multi-story homes the installation of in-home elevators is a consideration. They used to be seen as a pure luxury, but elevators are increasingly seen as an in-home accessibility solution. But are they a wise choice for seniors? Let’s delve into this question.
For seniors, mobility can deteriorate, turning simple daily activities into significant challenges. Stairs, in particular, can become daunting barriers, potentially making areas of multi-level homes difficult to navigate, with lots of stairs between levels limiting the home’s overall functionality. That isn’t hard to imagine with the array of beautiful Marin homes built into hillsides. In those homes, an elevator could significantly enhance the quality of life by providing easy and safe access to all floors of the home.
How Do You Assess the Benefits?
Safety First and Accessibility
Clearly, home elevators offer a safe and convenient way to get from one floor to another. While stair lifts and ramps provide access between levels in a home, they are not for everyone with mobility issues. If you can’t easily transfer out of your mobility device and onto the seat of a stair lift, they are not a safe device for you. Most elevators offer a level of security and comfort not available in a stair lift.
Property Value and Marketability
Whenever the possibility of an increase in property value comes into the conversation, a considerable investment could be on the table. While that is true, incorporating an elevator into home design addresses immediate accessibility needs and can boost the property’s value. When it is time to sell your home, that elevator can attract a broader market. Think of the predictions for Marin’s aging population. Predictions state that the population of people 60 and over will reach 38%. Many in that age range will include those who foresee mobility issues and plan ahead for aging in place. An in-home elevator could significantly enhance the marketability of your home.
Design Versatility
For architects, integrating an elevator into a home is an opportunity to demonstrate innovative design solutions. If you’ve done a Google search, you’ve probably seen how modern elevators can be aesthetically designed to match the home’s interior. Customized finishes and options like glass panels can offer you an elevator that is seen as a stylish, yet functional feature.
Considering the Challenges
Investment
Yes, an in-home elevator will require a substantial investment. The cost of installing an elevator will be prohibitive for some. The age and design of your home will dictate what potential structural modifications will be required. You’ll want to factor in the ongoing maintenance expenses as well as the purchase and installation costs of the elevator itself. The financial impact of these factors must be carefully considered.
Space Requirements
Installing an elevator requires sufficient space, which might not be available without significant alterations to your home’s layout. According to several sources, the average space requirement is 20 to 25 square feet. Considerations include the width of your home walls (to hook the rail onto), the desired door width of the elevator, the clearance around the elevator, and the space you have for the drive components that power your elevator.
Maintenance
As with any mechanical installation, you need to factor in the regularity and cost of maintenance to keep the elevator safe and functional. This includes periodic inspections and repairs, which add to the long-term cost of having an elevator.
Making the Decision
For seniors assessing their homes for aging in place, the decision to install an elevator should be based on personal mobility needs, the home’s structure, and financial resources. Consult with a professional who understands the essentials of aging-in-place designs and can offer valuable insights and help tailor solutions to your individual situation.
In-home elevators can be a valuable addition for seniors looking to age in place. They provide enhanced safety, accessibility, and independence. Yes, the initial investment and maintenance requirements are significant. So are the long-term benefits of improved accessibility and increased home value.
If you are looking at your home through the lens of aging in place, contact AplosGroup today. We can help you assess practicality and design aesthetics based on your individual needs.
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