Aging in Place

Designing Homes for Aging in Place

As we get older, we may prefer to stay in the home in which we raised our family or, if possible, design and build a new home to accommodate our changing needs. Building a home for older adults might include the absence of interior thresholds, wide hallways and doors, a first-floor bedroom or even no second floor at all. But whether our loved ones choose to design a new home, adapt an older one, or simply stay where they are with minimal changes (no loose rugs, a stair lift, a ramp to the front door, etc.), one thing that every senior would benefit from is radiant floor heating.

Radiant Heat Keeps Seniors at Home

As we age, our bodies tend to get cold faster in the winter. With less-elastic blood vessel walls and less fat to preserve body heat, seniors become less able to preserve their body heat. Hypothermia is not just a threat for mountain climbers; older people can die from overexposure to excessively cold temperatures. So, if you are taking care of a senior, please check that their homes are kept warm and cozy throughout the winter months.

Why is this such an important issue? Many seniors prefer to stay in their homes with their familiar belongings as they age. They may not turn up the thermostat sufficiently to stay warm (due to the cost of heating) and they may not feel the cold as readily as they once did. A solution is a radiant floor heating system that saves energy and money, heats the home more comfortably, and allows heat to be controlled by room or zone.