As you get older, staying at home becomes ever more vital. From a practical point of view, though, many houses weren’t necessarily built with aging in mind. The best part? You don’t have to do a total renovation to create a comfortable, secure, and accessible house for older people. Small changes here and there can make a real impact—handrails, ramps, and extra lighting, for instance. These changes not only make sense, but they can also help older people stay independent and feel secure at home.
Let’s walk through some simple, uncluttered changes that you can do to create a senior-friendly home that not only is fashionable and safe, but most importantly, functional.
1. Handrails and Grab Bars: Small but Important
No one will dispute that baths and stairs are a challenge as one gets older. That’s where handrails and grab bars come into play. These cheap, uncomplicated accessories are a godsend when avoiding falling and providing additional support.
Having grab bars placed around your toilet, shower, or bathtub in your bathroom will have a great impact when providing stability. Having handrails on either side of your stairs if your home has a staircase will make getting up and down safer and easier. For more personalized assistance and home modifications, learn more about the support nursing agencies can provide.
2. Bathroom Refurbishment for Easy Access
One of the most important areas to focus on when senior-proofing a house is the bathroom. It’s one of those areas where accidents do happen, but with a few thoughtful changes, you can minimize the occurrence.
Having a walk-in shower with a seat, a raised toilet seat for increased comfort, and slip-resistant flooring for preventing falling are all excellent ideas. Enlarging the doorway for wheelchair access, if feasible, is a wonderful solution. These adjustments not only make a safer bathroom, but one easier to navigate on a daily basis, as well. If you need more advice on home renovations, click here for how to finance these upgrades through a renovation loan in Singapore.
3. Lighting: Light Up and Secure It
Good lighting is important, especially as you age. Dim vision can lead to accidents, and as your eyesight gets worse, having sufficient lighting where you need it is essential. Install bright, adjustable lighting into hallways, bathrooms, and stairwells to light up all spaces.
Motion-sensing lighting is a bonus, too—these turn on as you approach a space, so you don’t have to get up and move around for a switch. And don’t forget nightlights for bathrooms or dark hallways for added nighttime safety.
4. Declutter for a Tripping-Free Home
Cluttered living is a tripping hazard. It’s necessary that you clear a path through mess. If loose rugs, wires, and pieces of furniture are tripping you, a clear-up is necessary. Non-slip rugs are a must if you cannot remove your favorite carpets.
Make sure loose boards on your floor or tiles are also secured, as these will trip you. It will be simpler for you to navigate around and feel comfortable at home with a clear, uncluttered space.
5. Widening Hallways and Doors for Easy Access
If you, or a family member, depend on a wheelchair or walker, having wider doorways and hallways will facilitate daily living and reduce stress. Wider doorways and hallways are a minor modification that will have a great impact. From bedroom to bathroom, having sufficient space for a mobility aid will enable you to live independently.
6. Ramps: Access for All
Ramps are a godsend if you have a front door, back door, or both. Ramps provide wheelchair and walker access and are safer than steps. You can have ramps at your entrance, giving all your family members simpler access outside or even from one level to another inside your house. And, they provide a welcoming, barrier-free area for all individuals with mobility limitations.
7. Comfortable, Accessible Furniture
When choosing furniture for a living area for a senior, accessibility and comfort are foremost on your mind. Choose pieces that are easy to get into and out of, including armrested couches and armrested chairs with a raised seat height.
You might also appreciate a recliner or a lift chair for easier sitting and standing. Adjustable tables at different heights offer a lot of flexibility, too. You want a comfortable area where your older loved ones can just relax and not have to strain their bodies.
8. Intelligent Technology: Making Life Easier
Technology is not limited to young people, you know. Home automation technology can actually have a real impact on older individuals. Devices controlled with a voice (such as Amazon’s Alexa or Google Home), for example, can turn on lights, heat, and even make phone calls—all without having to move from a sitting position.
Motion sensors and smart lighting also make living areas safer, and medical alert devices give one the confidence that help is a button click away if something goes awry. These little extras can have a huge impact on convenience and peace of mind
9. Creating a Secure, Comfortable Outdoor Area
If your elderly loved one enjoys being outside, make your outdoor space and garden secure and comfortable. Remove tripping hazards from off the walkway and have a seating area with shade. You might even provide raised gardening spaces for gardening with minimal bending. Having a secure outdoor space not only makes for a healthy lifestyle, but also provides your elderly loved ones with a sense of independence and bliss outdoors.
10. Get Help if Necessary
Even with modification at home, sometimes elderly people may need a little extra help. That is where nursing agencies like RC Caregivers come into play. For help with daily living or for one-on-one care, caregivers can provide services based on what a senior might need.
If you have absolutely no idea where to look, searching agencies providing care at home can offer you what you are looking for. If you’re unsure where to start, check out professional resources that offer in-home care services. You can also explore services like Retire Genie for expert consultancy and personalized care options.
Conclusion
You do not necessarily have to do a full-scale renovation for your house for your house to turn into a senior-friendly house. With a few thoughtful adjustments—handrails, ramps, and new lighting—you can make your house safer and cozier for seniors.
The concept is having a place where seniors feel independent, comfortable, and most importantly, secure. Remember, if you also need additional help with home modification and care services, nursing agencies like Red Crowns can offer that. Those small changes you make today will have a lasting impact on quality of life, giving you a comfortable and secure place to live for many years.
