The transition to old age is challenging in many ways, including architecturally. As with any stage of life, your apartment should be a place where you can enjoy a fulfilling, active, and engaging life – a living environment that encourages a sense of comfort and peace.

Many times it is necessary to adapt the existing home to the changes in our lives, or to find a new home that will suit our new needs.

In this article we will focus on planning an apartment for the elderly, and present some principles that will help create a perfect space or the coming years, tailored to your character and your unique needs.

Starting from the basics: planning the layout

When planning an apartment for the elderly, it is important to start from the basics – planning the best possible layout. You need to consider what you want life in the apartment to look like, and design the space accordingly.

Here are some points to pay attention to:

Consider all your needs, including possible future ones.

Plan a layout which is as flexible as possible, so that it also takes future needs into account.

Think about accessibility, even a wheelchair .

Ensure easy access to any space, and make your home efficient. For example, in the kitchen:

a small and compact kitchen is just right for this stage in life

The kitchen has closed cabinets, as well as open shelves. This is very handy, as well as beautiful.

Hanging kitchen accessories by the stove makes storage easier and accessories more accessible

Do not forget about entertaining friends and family. Especially at this age, and even in a small apartment, it is important to allow for the holidays to be celebrated with the family, to entertain and rejoice together. Proper planning can make this possible!

A long and joyful Seder table is possible even in a relatively small apartment

A very small garden, yet – because of smart planning, there is enough room for a sukkah

Maintain practical and functional planning that will allow you to focus on daily life in an easy and comfortable way.

Instead of carpets, which are easy to fall on, we used ornate tiles here to create a pattern in the flooring

For example: carpets are a danger to older people, as they are slippery and can cause you to fall down! Here is an option – creating a pattern on the floor with painted tiles. Very beautiful and not dangerous!

Sophisticated design: creating a personal world

When planning an apartment for the elderly, its design is especially significant. Smart and personal design can improve your quality of life and create a functional and pleasant environment.

It is important to consider the use of lightweight and easy-to-clean materials, as well as a clean and simple design that will allow for easy and convenient maintenance. The easier the apartment is to maintain, the more you can focus on enjoying its beauty and comfort.
However, when planning an apartment for the elderly, it is important to keep in mind that this is a personal home, which should also contain personal belongings, objects which you have collected throughout life and are precious to you because of the memories they hold.

It is important to create a place for personal belongings and souvenirs

A place for personal souvenirs and objects of sentimental value

Invest in comfortable, senior-friendly furniture, such as upholstered chairs, high beds and cupboards with functional storage systems. Tailoring the furniture to your unique needs will help you create a warm and attractive atmosphere in your apartment.

A higher than usual bed makes getting up easier for the elderly

Throughout the design process, it’s important to remember: old age is no reason to be sad… Even for the elderly, the design of the apartment can be solid and restrained, or colorful and happy – according to your choice!

A garden is a source of joy and pleasure, but with age, caring for it can become a burden. I recommend not giving it up, but choosing an apartment with a small garden.

Smart Communication

Apartment planning for the elderly can also include advanced technological solutions that facilitate communication and cooperation. Investing in smart control systems, automatic lighting and technological tools can improve your sense of security and make your daily activities easier.

Maintenance and nurturing: investing in quality of life

In order to maintain the quality of life and your apartment as a perfect place for seniors, it is important to invest in frequent maintenance. It is important to consider services such as regular cleaning and maintenance, repairs and upgrades.

Planning an apartment for the elderly is an important and fascinating challenge. With proper guidance and coordination with an experienced architect, you can create a perfect space that suits your unique needs, and provides you with a sense of security and comfort.

Our firm – Orly Eran, Architecture and Interior Design, has extensive experience in planning apartments for the elderly.

For a one-time architectural consultation or for a comprehensive planning of your home, you are welcome to contact us at 054-4739584.

Tags: apartment design for the elderly apartment for the elderly planning for old age planning for the elderly