Aging in Place: Elevators

An elevator may seem like a luxury, yet new technology is quickly making them a more affordable option, whether building a custom home or renovating your existing home. Generally speaking, an elevator can preserve your floor plan while providing vertical mobility.

Elevators As an Option for Aging in Place

Aging in place is a common consideration these days in custom home design and construction. The concept of aging in place comes from the desire to live in your home for as long as possible while you age. You maintain your independence in a safe environment as well as make it easier for caregivers to assist when needed.

Sometimes that independence comes with the help of a walker or other mobility device, so when designing a home with aging in place in mind, we recommend eliminating or minimizing stairs. And when that’s not possible, an elevator can make all the difference.

We have had several clients with large extended families thinking ahead when building a custom, two-story home. The main level provides for a primary bedroom suite, the kitchen, living area, laundry room, a guest suite or two, a powder room, and often an office or utility room.

The second level, often a lower level when a home is built on a mountainside, is the expansion space for when guests and family visit. It also usually houses the mechanical systems of the home as well as storage.

An elevator ensures anyone with a mobility assistance device can be in the middle of it all with ease, whether upstairs or downstairs. It’s also handy when getting items from storage, such as holiday decorations. Just send them up in the elevator instead of hauling them up the stairs.