Aging in place means staying in the home and community you know while maintaining independence, safety, and comfort. For seniors in Richmond, Virginia, universal design offers practical, elegant solutions that make daily living easier and safer without looking clinical or institutional. The Village (Richmond) A ProMedica Senior Living Community designs spaces and supports programs with these principles at the core, so residents can remain in their preferred surroundings as needs evolve.
What is universal design?
Universal design refers to products, environments, and systems that are usable by people of all ages and abilities. It emphasizes flexibility, simplicity, and accessibility-so a doorway, a countertop, or a light switch works for someone using a walker, someone who wears glasses, or a guest who might visit with a stroller. The goal is not to accommodate one specific situation but to anticipate a broad range of needs and make everyday tasks easier for everyone.
Why it matters for seniors in Richmond and at The Village
In communities like The Village (Richmond), universal design supports residents who are thriving today and may experience changing mobility or sensory needs tomorrow. The benefits aren’t just physical-clear sightlines, comfortable lighting, and lever handles can reduce stress and improve confidence. When design is centered on aging in place, it also supports family members who visit or help with care, creating a shared sense of security and independence.
Key features of universal design
- Single-level living or minimal stairs wherever possible, with gentle transitions between spaces.
- No-step entries and level thresholds to ease entry with walkers, wheelchairs, or strollers.
- Wider doorways and hallways (typically 32–36 inches) to accommodate mobility devices.
- Lever-style door and faucet hardware to reduce gripping strength needs.
- Slip-resistant, stable flooring that is easy to clean and maintain.
- Curbless showers with accessible seating and grab bars for stability.
- Grab bars and well-placed handrails in bathrooms and hallways.
- Accessible storage and adjustable-height countertops to reduce bending and reach.
- Bright, glare-free lighting with layered layers (ambient, task, and accent) and sufficient night lighting.
- Simple, intuitive controls for lighting, climate, and safety systems; centralized call-for-help features.
- Kitchen workflows designed for easy reach with pull-out shelves, front-facing cabinets, and adjustable counter heights.
- Outdoor access and pathways that are even, well lit, and slip-resistant, with seating and shade.
Note: The Village’s approach in Richmond integrates these principles into apartment design, common areas, and outdoor spaces, aligning comfort with safety so residents can thrive day to day.
Room-by-room design ideas
A table helps illustrate how universal design choices translate into different spaces. The following compares typical features with universal design adaptations and why they matter.
| Area | Universal design feature | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Entry and vestibule | Level entry with no steps; exterior ramps where needed | Easy access for wheelchairs and walkers; reduces fall risk at thresholds |
| Living room and hallways | Wider doorways and clear sightlines; non-slip flooring | Facilitates mobility devices; reduces bump risks and improves navigation |
| Kitchen | Pull-out shelves, front-facing cabinets, adjustable-height or convertible countertops | Easier reach without bending; supports seated or standing activities |
| Bathroom | Walk-in or curbless shower, grab bars, seating, lever faucets, raised toilet seat | Safer transfers, reduced risk of slipping, easier grip and control |
| Bedroom | Accessible closet systems, low bed height options, dimmable lighting | Independent dressing and dressing assistance, safer night routines |
| Lighting and controls | Layered lighting, motion-activated switches, large, high-contrast controls | Improves safety at night and reduces eye strain |
| Outdoor spaces | Even surfaces, rails, seating areas, shade and rain protection | Safe outdoor movement and opportunities for socializing outside |
This approach aligns with the welcoming, resident-centered environment at The Village (Richmond), where common spaces are designed to feel like home while offering thoughtful safety features and predictable, simple operation.
Case study: The Village Richmond’s approach to universal design
The Village (Richmond) sits in a city with a rich history and growing aging population, and its design philosophy embodies both hospitality and practicality. In common areas, wide corridors and accessible circulation ensure that residents and visitors, including guests with mobility devices or strollers, can move without obstruction. Private apartments emphasize adjustable features and barrier-free plans, with kitchens and bathrooms equipped for independence. The landscape surrounding the community is landscaped for accessibility, with even walkways, well-lit paths, and seating alcoves that encourage seniors to spend time outdoors safely. Staff are trained to recognize design cues that support aging in place-clear sightlines, organized storage, and intuitive controls-so daily routines remain straightforward. For families, this approach offers reassurance: aging in place doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or independence; it means choosing an environment designed to adapt with you.
Checklist for evaluating your home
- Start with the entry: Is there a level entry or a ramp, and are thresholds low enough to roll over smoothly?
- Doorways and corridors: Are doorway widths 32 inches or more? Are hallways wide enough to pass with a walker or wheelchair?
- Bathroom safety: Is there a curbless shower or a tub with a transfer bench, grab bars, and a handheld shower wand?
- Kitchen accessibility: Are cabinets reachable without excessive bending or reaching? Are counters at a comfortable height?
- Lighting: Do you have layered lighting, including task lighting in work areas and night lights in bedrooms and hallways?
- Flooring: Is the floor non-slip, durable, and easy to clean? Are transitions smooth between rooms?
- Controls and technology: Are light switches, thermostats, and call systems easy to operate with one hand or from a sitting position?
- Outdoor safety: Are outdoor paths level, well lit, and free of trip hazards? Is there seating for rest and socialization?
If you’re considering a move or a home retrofit, use this checklist to guide conversations with designers, builders, and family members. The goal is to identify features that reduce risk, improve comfort, and preserve independence.
How can families and communities support aging in place?
- Start with a home assessment: Bring in an occupational therapist or a design expert who can identify what needs adapting today and what might be helpful in the future.
- Prioritize flexibility: Design choices should accommodate changing abilities without requiring a full remodel later.
- Seek professional guidance on budgeting: Universal design improvements can be cost-effective when planned in stages and coordinated with healthcare considerations.
- Connect with local resources: In Richmond, The Village and ProMedica offer resident support, safety systems, and programming designed for aging in place.
The Village (Richmond) and its team emphasize that universal design is more than a list of features; it’s an ongoing commitment to a lifestyle that balances autonomy with safety. For seniors and families, this translates into homes and communities where people can continue to participate in meaningful activities, maintain social connections, and enjoy privacy and comfort-without compromising safety or independence.
FAQs: Questions that often arise about universal design
- How does universal design differ from accessibility standards?
- Can universal design be implemented in existing homes without a full remodel?
- Is universal design only relevant for seniors, or does it benefit people with temporary injuries or parents with young children as well?
- What are the first steps to evaluating a home’s universal design needs in the Richmond area?
If you’d like to learn more about universal design features at The Village (Richmond) A ProMedica Senior Living Community, or to arrange a tour of our accessible living spaces, contact our team. We’re happy to discuss how small changes or strategic remodels can support aging in place with grace, safety, and the sense of home our residents value.