Adapted home transcends time for elderly homeowner

At 88 years young, Helen bought a resale home to live next to her daughter, but since her new house, built almost 70 years ago, was not designed for the elderly, she hired Jeanette Knudsen, owner of Design For A Life Span, to adapt her home.

Considering her capabilities, Helen had two priorities for adapting her new home.

First, make her home safe enough for a senior citizen. Second, make it safe without looking like its owner is a senior citizen.

Here’s what Jeanette did with the master bedroom and bath—originally two separate rooms opening out to the hall.

The first step was to seal off the bathroom door and open up the wall between the rooms. This ensuite design not only gave Helen easier access to the bathroom, it brightened both rooms and increased her privacy.

Next, the bathtub was removed and replaced with a European-style curbless shower. To add to the spa-like atmosphere, both wall-mounted and hand-held showers were installed, allowing the homeowner to enjoy more than one choice of bathing. In place of doors and shower glass, Helen opted for a curtain mounted on a double bar firmly secured to the walls.

Jeanette spaced the toilet and sink for easy access around both, and took advantage of the natural light coming from the outside window. For cloudy days, she added canned lighting in the ceiling, and the lights on both sides of the mirror have nightlights. The light gray walls and floor tiles, which are white with black accents, have matte finishes to minimize glare.

Next, Jeanette addressed the grab bars. Also called balance bars, these supports now double as décor accents and come in many styles. The bars were coordinated with the sink and shower hardware, using a brushed nickel finish to complete the updated look.

Helen is thrilled with her home, with no plans to leave as long as she has a say. There will come a time when the home goes back up for sale. No matter when that happens, it will stand out from the competition for its timeless beauty with built-in safety features.

Jeanette Knudsen, an award-winning interior designer located in Mesa, is the owner of Design For A Life Span, specializing in Design for Aging and Universal Design. Her designs fit families as they grow and change. She is the only designer in the area to serve on the National Design for Aging Council for the American Society of Interior Designers. You can reach Jeanette at Jeanette@Designforalifespan.com.