Residential: Parent's Room

More and more homeowners are designing rooms into their homes for returning parents. This designing for returning Parent’s Rooms is happening in new construction as well as existing homes where an addition or renovation to accept aging parents is required.

In many instances consideration of self esteem takes precedence and grab bars are left out until they are a must, but halls and doors are widened, counter tops in some areas are lowered, water closets are raised and recesses for knee space is given top priority.

When designing for returning parents, the homeowner must be aware of the increased need for wider circulation. This is most often seen within toilets, around beds, at doorways and along corridors. These requirements for wider circulation will be invaluable should the parent ever require wheelchair assistance.

Additional features that are beneficial when designing for aging parents is the potential need for lever rather than knobs at doors. A shower without an entry curb is needed and removable consoles at sinks will allow the user to have adequate knee space when seated. Hand held shower controls are often desired along with lower water temperature at faucets, shallower thresholds, increased maneuvering clearances at doors, and eventually you may need to consider ramps, vertical lifts, and grab bars.

One important item that adds to the quality of a parent’s lifestyle is the ability for them to have direct access from their living suite to the outdoors. This is often done by providing a screened deck or a fenced patio. And while important that the parent have and maintain their privacy, it is also important for the caretaker to have the parent’s suite close by for visual and auditory supervision.

Ron Driskill, AIA
Architect, Custom Structures Inc.
Spring 2008

Residential: Parent's Room

More and more homeowners are designing rooms into their homes for returning parents. This designing for returning Parent’s Rooms is happening in new construction as well as existing homes where an addition or renovation to accept aging parents is required.

In many instances consideration of self esteem takes precedence and grab bars are left out until they are a must, but halls and doors are widened, counter tops in some areas are lowered, water closets are raised and recesses for knee space is given top priority.

When designing for returning parents, the homeowner must be aware of the increased need for wider circulation. This is most often seen within toilets, around beds, at doorways and along corridors. These requirements for wider circulation will be invaluable should the parent ever require wheelchair assistance.

Additional features that are beneficial when designing for aging parents is the potential need for lever rather than knobs at doors. A shower without an entry curb is needed and removable consoles at sinks will allow the user to have adequate knee space when seated. Hand held shower controls are often desired along with lower water temperature at faucets, shallower thresholds, increased maneuvering clearances at doors, and eventually you may need to consider ramps, vertical lifts, and grab bars.

One important item that adds to the quality of a parent’s lifestyle is the ability for them to have direct access from their living suite to the outdoors. This is often done by providing a screened deck or a fenced patio. And while important that the parent have and maintain their privacy, it is also important for the caretaker to have the parent’s suite close by for visual and auditory supervision.

Ron Driskill, AIA
Architect, Custom Structures Inc.
Spring 2008