Providing support for elderly relatives sometimes means living together in the same home, often meaning three generations of family are all part of the same household, with the middle adult generation caring simultaneously for parents and children. These multi-generation family homes are caring and loving environments that need consideration regarding their design, as each generation will have different needs.

Multi-generational living adaptations are changes made to the home to cater for elderly or disabled family members, never forgetting the needs of the other members of the household.

At John Ford Group, we have the accessible home design experience you need to make the right home adaptations for elderly relatives, maintaining comfort for all residents.

Accessibility Enhancements for Elderly Family Members

Typically, it is the elderly and less mobile family members who must be considered when making your home adaptations. These may include:

Widening Doorways and Hallways

Mobility aids, such as walkers and wheelchairs, will need to be accommodated to ensure the continued independence of the elderly members of the household. By widening doorways and ensuring that hallways have the space needed to manoeuvre, the home becomes a welcoming space for all.

This is a valuable change that has no negative impact on other family members but can make all the difference to those reliant on mobility support, ensuring that areas of the home aren’t frustratingly blocked off.

Ramps

Another part of accessible home design that improves safety and accessibility in multi-generation family homes is the addition of ramps where necessary. With a range of ramp designs available, there’s no need for a ramp to adversely affect the style of the home and, like widening the doorways and halls, ramps can bring a greater level of security and independence for wheelchair users.

Level Access Showers

A level access shower, or ‘wet room’, allows those who struggle with steps and irregular flooring the added confidence to be able to shower without any problems. They also have an additional benefit for families with young children, as the ease of access and safe non-slip flooring allows for parents to help their children with washing.

Grab Rails

Grab rails, both in the bathroom and other areas of the house, improve confidence and safety for those with mobility issues moving through the home. They are budget-friendly and easy to install – though make sure installation is done by a professional to ensure they are properly safe.

Non-Slip Flooring

Safe flooring isn’t just for the bathroom. Non-slip flooring in all high-traffic areas is essential and makes the home safer for the elderly and children alike.

Creating Independent Living Spaces

The feeling of independence is important for all, from teenagers to the elderly alike. Making sure the living spaces work for everyone is part of developing a multi-generational family home.

• Separate Living Areas – If you have the space, consider creating a private suite for elderly relatives, that has bedroom, bathroom, and even kitchenette all close together. This gives them independence with the family close by.
• Flexible Spaces – Don’t get stuck thinking everything has to be set. Multi-generational living adaptations often mean being willing to rethink a room’s use when the situation changes; for example, switching a home office to a guest room or switching who has what bedroom. 
• Accessibility in the Kitchen – Kitchens should be safely usable by all. Pull-down shelves, lever-handle taps, and lowering countertops are all part of accessible home design that help elderly family members.
• Room Placement – Be willing to think about room placement. Children and the elderly both benefit from bedrooms that are near bathrooms and having teenage bedrooms further from elderly family members can improve privacy for both.

Promoting Safety and Comfort Throughout the Home

There is a range of small changes that can be made as part of your accessible home design that really improve multi-generational family homes, with each year bringing new technological improvements.

• Smart Home Technology – Voice-controlled smart home systems can now become part of your home, allowing every member of the household, young and old, to get the most out of the home. This includes:
  • Lighting
  • Heating controls
  • Clocks and timers
  • Television and home entertainment system controls
  • Window blind and curtain controls
  • Security systems
  • Emergency calls for help
• Enhanced Lighting – Lighting can be especially important for accessible home design, with automated or sensor systems able to light areas as needed, such as stairways, hallways, and entryways. Lighting is also key for the feeling of safety should an elderly family member be home alone.
• Fixtures – Technology doesn’t just mean electronics. Utilising modern fixtures improves accessibility with lever-style door handles and sensor taps, raised and colour-coded electrical outlets and light switches, and more.

The Benefits of Multi-Generational Family Homes

There are many benefits to multi-generational living, far beyond the obvious nature of support for elderly family members. They include:

• An Enhanced Support Network – Families that live together can provide greater emotional support and practical assistance to each other. And it’s not all one-sided – the experience and wisdom of the older generation is of great benefit for children of all ages – and even the adults, too!
• Finances – Living together reduces family costs, with housing, food, utilities, and other regular outgoings all substantially cheaper when shared. Multi-generational family homes are far more affordable for families than trying to keep up multiple separate homes. 
• Closer Family Bonds – Living together builds stronger connections across generations, with beloved memories developed when simple everyday moments are shared. 

Multi-Generational Living Adaptations with John Ford Group

At John Ford Group, we have the expertise you need to plan and undertake an accessible home design project. Our team are here to help you create a wonderful multi-generational family home by implementing smart, thoughtful design solutions. Working hand-in-hand, we can help you maximise your space to efficiently and intelligently find a solution that enhances your home, creating a supportive and accessible space that caters to the needs of each family member.

If you are interested in learning more about how to adapt your home to make it the perfect space for multi-generational living, speak to us today.