From Home to Cottage: Making Aging-in-Place Work Wherever You Are

We often discuss healthy aging design as something you plan for inside your home (like grab bars in the bathroom, non-slip flooring, wider doorways). But what happens when you're not at home?

As summer approaches, many of us start heading to the cottage, whether it’s our own or a weekend visit to our adult children’s place in cottage country. These getaways offer a welcome break, but for aging adults and the sandwich generation navigating caregiving and their own changing needs, they also raise an important question: What happens when your environment changes?

The truth is, your mobility challenges don’t stay behind when you go away for the weekend. If anything, they can become even more visible in a space not designed with accessibility in mind.

The Cottage Conundrum

We love cottages for their rustic charm. They’re places for family dinners on the deck, quiet morning coffees, and making memories across generations.

But here’s what we often don’t talk about: these spaces aren’t always built for changing needs.

Most cottages were designed with short-term getaways in mind, not long-term accessibility. As mobility changes with age, what once felt cozy can quickly become a safety concern.

Let’s look at a few common issues we see:

Narrow staircases and steep entrances

That charming front porch might have three or four uneven steps with no railing in sight. For someone with arthritis or balance issues, even getting inside can feel like a challenge.

Adding hand railings, motion-sensor lighting, and a secure ramp (temporary or permanent) can dramatically reduce fall risks and make coming and going easier.

Bathrooms are located exclusively on upper floors

When the only washroom is upstairs, or worse, down a steep flight to a basement, it becomes a major barrier for anyone with limited mobility. This could create a circumstance where overnight stays are no longer feasible. 

Converting a closet or corner nook into a powder room on the main floor can be a game-changer. Portable composting options or future-ready rough-ins, if it’s a new build, can also offer flexibility as needs evolve.

Low, soft furniture that’s difficult to get up from

Deep sofas and vintage armchairs may look inviting, but they can be hard to rise from, especially without armrests for support. It’s a quiet detail that impacts comfort more than most realize.

Swap in firmer seating that has stable arms and a supportive height. It’s not about sacrificing style, many modern pieces offer support without compromising design.

No grab bars, railings, or fall-prevention features

Most cottages weren’t built with safety supports. Wet floors, narrow doorways, and uneven surfaces are often overlooked, but they’re among the most common causes of injury in older adults.

Simple upgrades like well-placed grab bars on a stud in the tub or shower, anti slip mats or rugs on the floor (use double sided tape under corners) improve lighting to remove shadows and add nightlights, have a portable bedside bar that can be easily stored when not in use, add a bench and long handle shoe horn in the entranceway to easily remove footwear and if possible flooring without transition height changes between rooms can help create safer movement throughout the space.

Limited access to stores & care in rural communities

In smaller towns, services like hospitals (which have less beds and long wait times)  are not necessarily close by so make sure you have a well stocked emergency kit, thermometer, blood pressure cuff, a list of medications the older adults in the family take and emergency numbers in your local community (keep it handy)  

Pharmacies and even grocery stores tend to be less well stocked in some small towns, so you may need to bring whatever seniors need with them if you are travelling from the city.

These may seem like minor inconveniences, but they add up. A weekend retreat that once felt like an escape can slowly start to feel inaccessible, or worse, unsafe.

The good news? These challenges are often preventable with the right planning.

What ‘Moving’ Embodies for Older Adults

When we talk about transportation and being older, we often focus on what happens after we stop driving. But the real conversation is broader than that, because transportation is also about how you move through your daily life, wherever you are.

It’s how you get to medical appointments, pick up groceries, meet a friend for lunch, or step outside on your terms.

And when you’re spending time in a rural or seasonal setting like cottage country, that independence can disappear quickly, often relying on family members to get around.

Ask yourself:

• Do I rely on others to drive me where I need to go?

• What happens if my adult children aren’t at the cottage for the weekend? Would it be unsafe?

• Could I safely move around the cottage without assistance?

  
  

If you answered "no" or "not sure" to any of the above, it’s time to think about solutions that can keep you mobile and independent, even away from home.

So, what can you do?

1. Research local transportation services

Many regions have accessible transit options or community programs that offer rides for seniors, but they’re not always well-publicized. Before you spend time away, check what’s available in that area or make friends with the neighbours on the road.

2. Explore delivery services

Some grocery stores, pharmacies, and even meal prep companies deliver to rural locations. Setting up accounts in advance can make last-minute needs easier to manage.

3. Make accessibility a design priority

Don’t wait until something becomes a problem. If you're renovating a cottage or frequently staying somewhere, consider adding railings, wider pathways, non-slip surfaces, or even a ramp to improve access. These changes will help you and your older guests feel safer and more confident.

Planning for Your Comfort, Everywhere Life Takes You

Aging-in-place design isn’t about limiting your lifestyle. It’s about making sure every space you love supports your life in a positive way. 

We help you look at the bigger picture. Our design consultations explore not just how you live, but where you live, week to week, season to season, and into the future. Whether through in-person assessments or virtual guidance, we’ll help you identify potential risks and create practical and personalized plans for safer, more functional living spaces.

Need help figuring out where to start?

Book a consultation with us today and explore our website to access FREE planning resources designed to make custom modifications more approachable, practical, and personalized to you.