“Old age is like everything else. To make it a success, you’ve got to start young.”
Fred Astaire

There’s a lot of truth in those words. And it applies to many things in our lives, including the ability to stay in our homes for as long as possible as we age.

Universal design doesn’t begin when you need help most. Instead, it’s a part of the remodeling process years before you have the need in place. You never know when events change your life in a big way

• Bedrest through a pregnancy
• A broken leg
• Major surgery with months of recovery
• A chronic disease that becomes a part of your life

Universal design applies to all aspects of your home. But in many cases, it begins with your floors. Flooring has to allow accessibility inside and out, through all rooms and doors.

Stairs
While it’s important to keep stairs at a minimum, it’s equally important to ensure what stairs there are easy to access and slip-free. Hardwoods can be slippery – carpet runners can add softness and ensure they are easier to climb. Ensure they are installed correctly to avoid tripping hazards.

Bigger bathrooms and curbless showers
Any obstruction, no matter how tiny it is, can be difficult for some people. Roll-in showers with no curb gives anyone the ability to walk in and have more surface area to create ambiance and appeal. If you build the shower large enough, you can slope tiles towards the drain to give water easy access to the drain, and help keep your bathroom easily maintained.

Slip resistant, comfortable flooring
There are many products that can offer you everything you need in flooring material. When using tiles, smaller tiles provide less surface slipping. Cork flooring adds a little cushion and warmth underfoot. Carpeting is still a great choice for cushion, softness to prevent hard falls. Just ensure that all materials are properly installed and don’t pose a tripping hazard when walking between rooms.

Have you considered what flooring you’ll use in your universal design remodel?