by Lynn Wilson, Founder of The CareGiver Partnership
Aging in place and green living are important lifestyle considerations right now. We’re continually discovering products and technology that allow us to age in place — to stay in our homes, safely and comfortably, for as long as possible. At the same time, we all want to live in healthy, easy-to-care-for, energy-efficient homes. Here are some ideas for incorporating green strategies into designing a home focused on aging in place.
Natural light
When a house is designed to take advantage of natural light, it requires less artificial lighting, offers improved visibility, and saves energy by making temperature control easier. In winter, leave curtains open during the day to let the sun in, then close them at night to hold in the heat. In summer, close curtains during the day to block the sun, then open at night to let any heat escape. When artificial lighting is necessary, make sure it’s bright and within easy reach, with no cords running across pathways.
Renewable, recycled materials
When building or remodeling, ask your contractor to use materials that are low-maintenance and support our environment for future generations. Examples are wood species that rapidly renew such as bamboo, finishes that are low in volatile organic compounds, and recycled-content materials in carpeting, siding, concrete, decks and fences.
Improved mobility
Making a home safe and friendly for seniors can include major considerations, like eliminating stairs, expanding doorways, building a first-floor bedroom/bathroom suite, and making sinks, counter and appliances wheelchair-accessible. But there also are smaller projects that can go a long way toward improving mobility and living independently. Try installing levered faucets, easy-grip cabinet and drawer hardware, and nonslip flooring. Since many falls happen in the bathroom, install grab bars in showers and near toilets, bath benches, and elevated toilet seats or safety rails.
Energy-efficient upgrades
Reduce energy consumption with safe, easy-to-maintain Energy Star appliances, electronics, lighting and windows. Conserve water by replacing old shower heads and faucets with low-flow fixtures. Ask your electric and gas provider if you qualify for an energy audit, rebates or other programs to help offset the cost of upgrades.
Monitoring and safety
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Easy-care landscaping
An important part of aging in place is making caring for a home more manageable. Cut down on grass that needs mowing by making your yard more natural, with low-maintenance native plants and trees, which also provide shade that can cut cooling costs. Driveways and walkways made of gravel, pavers or other permeable systems not only allow rain water to reach the ground, but they can offer seniors a safer, less-slippery walking surface if well maintained.
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Sources: AgingInPlace.com: Green Aging in Place; Wisconsin Public Service: Energy-Saving Tips
Further Reading
Aging in Place: 15 Home Safety Tips for Care Givers of Dementia Sufferer
4 comments:
I would like to retire in a green home as well. I like the overall environment friendly and energy cost efficiency of the place. Home insurance providers are also catering kindly to green homes.
Clean and green concepts for retirement homes is a blueprint for the future. Walls and paint should not be toxic and I also support the notion of a green garden.
Thanks for sharing this! I definitely thing that building energy efficient homes is the way to go in this day and age. I have been living in one for a few months now and I can firmly say that I have been saving a lot of money as opposed to when I was living in my old home.
Thank you for your helpful comment. Our mission at The CareGiver Partnership is to help family caregivers so that their loved ones can remain in their homes as long as possible.
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