Apartment Design Tips for Seniors in Burley, Idaho

Were you aware that 24% of Idahoans are 60 or older, according to the Census Reporter?

Many seniors in Burley, Idaho, want to stay in their homes as they get older. A good apartment design helps make daily life easier and safer.

Seniors can enjoy comfort, freedom, and peace of mind with the right setup. Read on for some simple apartment design tips to create senior-friendly living spaces.

Choose a Senior-Friendly Layout

A senior-friendly layout should be open and easy to move through. Wide hallways and doorways allow for walkers or wheelchairs.

Avoid tight corners and narrow spaces. A clear path between rooms helps prevent trips and falls.

Open floor plans help with visibility. Seniors can move from the living room to the kitchen without many steps or turns. Fewer walls also make it easier to carry items without bumping into things.

Look for layouts that keep everything on one level. Stairs can be a safety risk.

Prioritize Safe Design Features

Safe design starts with the floor. Choose slip-resistant flooring like textured vinyl or low-pile carpet.

Avoid rugs that can bunch up or move easily. Smooth, even surfaces reduce the chance of falls.

Install handrails in key areas. Bathrooms and hallways are the best spots.

Good lighting is important. Bright lights in all rooms help seniors see better.

Use motion sensor lights in bathrooms or hallways for nighttime safety. Lamps with easy-to-reach switches are helpful too.

Kitchen design should include easy-access storage. Cabinets at waist height are better than ones above the head. Pull-out shelves and lazy Susans reduce strain.

Stoves with front controls are safer because there is no need to reach across hot burners. Residents also appreciate spacious closets for storing their clothes and other items, helping rooms stay uncluttered.

Support Aging in Place

Aging in place means staying in the same home over time. Design features that adapt to changing needs are key.

For example, lever-style door handles are easier to use than knobs. Faucets with single levers are better for sore or stiff hands.

Appliances should be simple to use. Ovens and microwaves with large buttons and clear displays help seniors stay independent. Front-loading washers and dryers are easier to access.

Bedroom design should include low beds that are easy to get in and out of. Nightstands with rounded edges reduce injury risk. Keep a flashlight nearby in case of power loss.

A thermostat that is easy to read and adjust keeps the apartment comfortable in all seasons. Seniors in Burley often deal with both hot summers and cold winters, which is why a smart thermostat could be a wise investment.

Focus on Accessible Apartments

Accessible apartments make life easier for seniors with mobility challenges. Entryways should have ramps or no steps.

Front doors with keyless entry systems reduce the need to fumble with keys. If there is an elevator in the building, it should be close to the apartment.

Bathrooms with raised toilets and handheld shower heads improve comfort. Adjustable shower heads allow seniors to sit while bathing. A non-slip bath mat or a built-in shower floor texture adds more safety.

In the kitchen, the sink should have open space underneath so a chair or walker can fit. Countertops with rounded edges and light colors are easier on the eyes. Try to keep often-used items at shoulder or waist height.

Accessible apartments are not only helpful for current needs, but they also prepare seniors for the future. Good design lets them live more freely for years to come.

Design for Comfort in Burley Living Spaces

Burley has a mix of warm summers and snowy winters. Climate-conscious design helps keep seniors comfortable year-round. Insulated windows and weather-sealed doors help maintain indoor temperatures.

Heating systems should be quiet and easy to control. Cooling systems should have simple remote controls. Window shades or curtains that block direct sun help keep rooms cool in the summer.

Furniture should be supportive and firm, not too soft or low. Chairs with armrests help with sitting and standing.

Tables should be sturdy and not wobbly. Avoid glass tops that are harder to see.

Soft colors like light blues, creams, and greens create a calm atmosphere. Large print artwork or wall calendars add style and function. Indoor plants can brighten the room and improve air quality.

Small Touches Make a Big Difference

Simple additions can greatly improve daily life. A phone with large buttons and a loud ringer is easier to use.

A wall clock with bold numbers can help with timekeeping. Add labels to light switches or storage bins.

Hooks near the door for coats or bags help keep things in order. A bench or small table by the entry gives seniors a spot to put on their shoes. Key holders and mail organizers keep things in easy reach.

In the kitchen, a stool can help with tasks that take time, like chopping vegetables. A rolling cart can carry items from one room to another without strain. Drawer organizers and labeled bins reduce clutter.

Burley Senior Living That Feels Like Home

Design should always reflect the person living there. Seniors in Burley often enjoy family visits, hobbies, and time outdoors. You can always open a window and let the fresh air in.

Space for hobbies like puzzles, crafts, or music adds joy to daily routines. Seniors who enjoy gardening can grow herbs or flowers in pots near windows. Natural light helps improve mood and wellness.

A cozy reading chair near the window can become a favorite spot. Burley senior living is about more than housing; it is about connection, independence, and comfort. A well-designed apartment supports all of those goals.

Seniors Need a Thoughtful Apartment Design

Smart apartment design makes life better for seniors in Burley. Small details like lighting, seating, and storage make everyday tasks easier. Seniors deserve homes that help them feel safe, proud, and comfortable.

Do you want to get settled in an incredible Burley apartment? At Pomerelle Place Senior Living, we offer two floor plans, chef-created menus, a calendar of thrilling events, wellness classes, and more.

Contact us to learn why you should move into our senior living community.