5 Tips for making a home more comfortable and secure for older adults
As we age, we become less agile. For some, stability and mobility may also be somewhat compromised ending up with the feeling of loss of independence and frustrated situations in our home. Whether your loved ones are moving into a new home or renovating an old one, it is important that the home is safe and designed for older adults. This does not only entail the installation of grab rails [although it might be required too]. There are other elements that may require an upgrade or re-design that given some thought would change the life of an older adult completely. I have listed a few basic tips below!
- Declutter the room. A decluttered room and with an organised and simple furniture layout will help your loved ones navigate easily. Decluttered rooms reduce stress and anxiety, improves sleep and removes allergens.
- Make your flooring safer. Remove any old rugs which may cause your loved ones to trip. These may be replaced by soft plush carpets in the bedrooms and anti-fatigue floor mats in the kitchen for example.
- Adjust or change your furniture. If your loved one is in a wheelchair the furniture might have to be altered so that your loved one may still continue with daily activities independently. For example, in the kitchen consider installing a roll-under sink for safer and easier access. Install a walk-in shower which is also advisable for those who are not in a wheel chair too. Consider adjustable beds and sofa so that your loved one may get up safely. Heights of various furniture may have to be changed to certain heights.
- Lighting. As we age our eyesight might weaken and part from not seeing properly, we will start to find it harder to distinguish contrasting colours or textures. Invest in proper lighting so that it reaches the right lumens. Every room would require different lumen levels depending on the tasks involved in that particular room.
- Install grab-rails and handrails. Grab-rails may be useful in the living room close to your loved one’s sofa or in the bathroom where they might hold on to the grab-rail to get up. Handrails are useful in a long corridor for example as they may hold on to it to walk slowly.
The subject is vast and I might post more tips in the future that are more specific for a particular room or space. Decoration also plays an important part of the process. In the meantime, we are here to help you; we can come visit your home and propose a safer environment whilst also creating an attractive and comfortable home for your independent loved one.
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