As the baby boomer generation grows closer to retirement, more seniors are choosing to age in the comfort of their own homes rather than being placed in senior residences.
This decision is driven by many reasons; perhaps they don’t want to spend a fortune on long-term care, or maybe the fact that they’re enjoying a much healthier and vibrant lifestyle than their previous generation is encouraging them to make this decision.
In all cases, respecting their wishes comes as a first priority. However, that also means that there are a few adjustments they’ll need to make to help them age more comfortably.
If that’s what you’re looking for, here are a few features and additions you can add to make the house more senior-friendly.
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Start with the Entryways
Whether the senior(s) will be living with family members or on their own, they’ll need to enjoy the freedom of being able to tend to their own needs. Something as simple as moving into and outside of the house or answering the door to accept orders shouldn’t be such a hassle. As such, the entryways are the first things you’ll need to adjust.
To make the entryways safe and convenient, it’s better to empty them from barriers and unnecessary clutter. The entryways should allow them to move freely using a wheelchair or walking.
Instead of stairs, it’s better to build a ramp as well as handrails to help them maneuver their way safely. Steps and thresholds should also be removed from doorways.
Install Levers for Better Handling
You’ll never imagine how difficult it can be to turn a doorknob or a faucet for a lot of seniors. Chronic conditions that attack the joints, like arthritis, can make it fairly painful to do such a simple task.
To make it easier on their hands and add convenience at the same time, it’s best to replace all doorknobs and faucets with lever-style equipment that makes it easier to open and close the item of choice.
The same could be done for light switches, too.
Change into Non-Slippery and Safe Floors
Most of the slip and fall injuries result from seniors trying to walk around slippery floors.
Although such a fall wouldn’t cause any significant injury for an average person, these falls can cause severe injuries for seniors, owing to their decreased bone density. To prevent the onset of falls and any serious injuries, it’s best to change the flooring into non-slippery material, such as vinyl, linoleum, or hardwood.
You can also opt to cover the current flooring with carpets, although be sure to add non-skid mats underneath to prevent them from moving.
Adjust Stairs
Stairs are one of the most important things to address, whether they’re in the entryway or inside the house.
In places like Australia where there a lot of senior care facilities, one of the most remarkable and vital features provided is providing hassle-free maneuvering. For that, the senior-care specialists at arcare.com.au recommend making modifications like adding indoor ramps and handrails to make the movement easier for the seniors. If possible, adding electric stairlifts and elevators can be even better.
Light Up the Place
In addition to adjusting the stairs, it’s important to light them properly so the senior knows where they’re stepping. Moreover, the stairs aren’t the only place that needs to be well-lit. Dark rooms are only placed waiting for accidents to happen; there’s nothing easier than tripping down on scattered items, hitting your foot on the edge of furniture, or bumping into walls in a dark room. The place should be designed to allow ample sunlight to shine in during the day, while light fixtures should provide sufficient lighting at night. Consider incorporating smart technology in operating the lighting; it will prove to be most convenient to any senior.
Adjust the Rooms
Finally, the rooms should be designed according to the senior’s needs. First of all, any clutter should be removed to provide enough room for accessibility and maneuverability.
Bathrooms should be equipped with handrails and walk-in showers; the kitchen counters should be adjusted to suitable heights, and consider adding a walk-in closet in the bedroom.
You can also create a designated place to place all important items, like keys and mail packages, to make it easier for them to remember where they’d placed their belongings.
When looking to redesign the house for seniors, keeping their safety and comfort should always take the first priority.
Some of the features you can add are ramps, rails, and electric lifts. Additionally, redesigning the rooms may be necessary to satisfy their needs.
Although every senior will have varying needs, redesigning the place to be more spacious and protective should help make any house more senior-friendly.