Breaking Down Common Universal Design Myths

If you or an aging relative or friend wants to remain at home in your golden years, you may learn about universal design, which incorporates the principle of providing maximum comfort and safety inside one’s home environment. If aging in place sounds like a viable option, you must know common misconceptions about universal design. Getting all the facts helps you make the right choices.

Turning Your Home Into an Institution

You may worry universal design could turn your happy home into a bleak hospital, medical facility or nursing home. One of the biggest benefits of universal design is it offers something for everyone. No matter the aesthetic you hope to achieve for your home, you’re sure to find some great universal design options that match your goals.

Generic Design

Maybe you’ve come across several aging-in-place remodels that all look the same. Understandably, you don’t want your home to look like it belongs in a boring magazine about aging in place with basic colors and a lack of personality. Times and technology now allow older adults to choose from more and better options for remaining comfortable and safe while aging at home.

Obvious Design Elements

Perhaps you don’t want everyone who visits you to know you need help with bathing, getting up the stairs or cooking. Despite what you may read or see as you learn more about universal design, don’t worry about turning your residential property into something that looks like an institution. The key to breaking this myth is to choose the right design elements that blend well with your current decor. Focus on working with experienced residential remodeling companies that offer organic results that don’t stick out from the rest of a home’s current design.

Just because you or a loved one chooses aging in place does not mean your home must look like you’re aging in place. Universal design should add to your comfort and peace of mind, not detract from it.