We all want a home that feels like a sanctuary, a place of comfort and security. But how often do we consider whether it will remain that way as our lives and needs evolve? The Dutch concept of levensloopbestendig wonen, or creating an “age-proof” home, offers a blueprint. It’s not about transforming your home into a sterile institution; it’s about making smart, often subtle, changes that ensure it remains a joy to live in, for life.
Whether you’re planning a major renovation or simply looking to make incremental improvements, knowing where to focus your efforts is key. Here is a practical checklist of the most impactful adaptations to consider for a truly adaptable and future-ready home.
Level 1: Foundational Accessibility
These are the core changes that remove physical barriers and form the bedrock of a drempelloos wonen (threshold-free living) environment.
- Eliminate All Thresholds: The number one tripping hazard. Removing raised door sills creates a seamless, safe flow between rooms, essential for anyone with reduced mobility, and a huge convenience for prams and wheeled walkers. If removal isn’t possible, threshold ramps are a must.
- Widen Doorways: Standard doorways can be a tight squeeze. Aim for a minimum clear width of 85-90cm. This simple change makes a world of difference for accessibility, accommodating everything from wheelchairs to bulky furniture.
- Create a Ground-Floor Living Zone: The gold standard. If possible, ensure there is a bedroom and a full bathroom on the ground floor. This single adaptation can be the key to remaining in a multi-story home long-term.
- Ensure a Safe and Accessible Entrance: Is there at least one entrance to your home without steps? If not, a gentle, sturdy ramp can provide safe and easy access. Also, consider shelter from the rain and good lighting for finding your keys at night.
Level 2: Enhancing Safety and Security
These adaptations are focused on preventing accidents and creating a secure environment.
- Install Non-Slip Flooring: Especially crucial in bathrooms and kitchens. Modern non-slip tiles and vinyl flooring are both stylish and highly effective at preventing falls on wet surfaces.
- Upgrade Your Lighting: Good, even lighting is non-negotiable. Banish dark corners in hallways and stairwells. Consider installing motion-sensor lights in key areas for automatic, hands-free illumination at night.
- Secure Stairways: If your home has stairs, ensure they are in top condition. This means sturdy handrails on both sides of the staircase, adequate lighting that illuminates every tread, and considering anti-slip strips for extra grip.
- Check Window and Door Hardware: Can windows be opened and closed easily without excessive force? Lever-style door handles are far easier to operate than round knobs for people with arthritis or reduced grip strength.
Level 3: Everyday Comfort and Convenience
This is where an adaptable home truly starts to feel like a luxury, making daily tasks simpler and more enjoyable.
- Re-evaluate Socket and Switch Placement: Are your electrical outlets and light switches placed at a comfortable height? The standard is moving away from low-down sockets, placing them higher up the wall to reduce bending and stretching.
- Consider a ‘Smart Home’ Integration (Domotica): Technology can be a powerful ally. A smart thermostat, video doorbell, or voice-activated lighting can significantly enhance both comfort and security, allowing you to control your environment with ease.
- Plan for Reachable Storage: In the kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom, are essential items stored within easy reach? Pull-down shelving in high kitchen cabinets or deep drawers instead of low cupboards can make a world of difference.
- Choose Thermostatic Taps: In both the kitchen and bathroom, thermostatic mixer taps prevent scalding by maintaining a constant, safe water temperature.
This aanpasbaar wonen checklist isn’t about doing everything at once. It’s a guide to inform your decisions over time. Tackling even one or two items from this list during your next home improvement project is a significant step towards creating a home that will support your lifestyle for decades. The key is to plan ahead, turning foresight into a tangible sense of security and enduring comfort.
