If you’re thinking of having elderly family or relatives to stay or live with you, you may need to adapt the way you’ve designed your home. Thankfully, this doesn’t have to be major and a few simple changes can make life and daily tasks easier to manage. No matter your budget, here are some of the best home ideas for elder-friendly design.
Add Non-Slip Flooring
Slippery surfaces are one of the biggest dangers faced by older people. If mobility starts to decline, a fall can result in serious consequences, so it’s vital that your flooring is slip-resistant. There are things you can do to achieve this, such as by placing non-skid mats under your area rug. Although no floor is entirely slip-resistant, there are some vinyl flooring products you can purchase that will reduce the risk of a slip and fall.
Install Rails
Whether it’s getting into the house, out of the bath, or out of bed, having handrails installed around your home can make the world of difference. If elderly relatives struggle without aids to get up, or aren’t so steady on their feet, handrails offer support where and when they’re needed the most.
Invest in More Lighting
Motion-sensor lighting will switch on when entering a room, so you know exactly where you are going in the night. Many older people struggle with their eyesight as they get older, which can make things much more difficult. Therefore, having motion-sensor lighting in place is essential.
Think About the Stairs
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Stairs can be one of the trickiest areas for older people to manage, but a Flow X stairlift by Kudos Stairlifts may be the solution you’re looking for. Kudos Stairlifts combine elegant design, configuration, and versatility to their Flow X stairlift and other products, alongside unique patented safety features, helping you to retain your independence. A stairlift can be a godsend for anyone who doesn’t want to move into a bungalow.
Change Doorknobs
No one tends to think much about turning a door handle. However, it can become a major chore as you age, especially for anyone who develops arthritis. A simple and effective measure by replacing your doorknobs with lever-style hardware will transform day-to-day life.
Organise and Label Cupboards
Getting cupboards organised and labelling them accordingly can be a tremendous help for older people. It’s common to forget things in old age, so making life clutter-free and arranging the necessities neatly can be helpful. Once you label each cupboard, they’ll know exactly where everything is. Should you or a loved one develop dementia, there are ways you can make your home more dementia-friendly.
Avoid Scalding
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Many of us love nothing more than a soak in the bath or a long shower, but it’s important that your water temperature stays at a suitable level. To avoid scalding and serious injuries, it’s advised that you install thermostatic mixing valves that can be fitted on your shower and bath taps. You can also install a handrail in the bathtub that will make it easier to get in and out without the need of additional help. Another option if bathing is difficult is to have your bathroom converted into a wet room.
Add a Ramp
Something as simple as walking out of a front door can prove dangerous for older people. If you have steps that take you up to the front door and relatives have mobility issues, getting down the steps may be an impossible task. For those who are disabled and require a wheelchair, you will need to install ramp to leave and enter your home with ease. For those reliant on a wheelchair, scooter, or walker, the doorway and hallways will need to be widened to accommodate equipment.
Needs and priorities naturally change as we age, but minor changes can result in major improvements to quality of life and help keep relatives feeling mobile and independent.
