If you’re going to renovate your house to make it more senior-friendly, then there are several things that you should consider before you embark on your project. Many ideas and options are available on the internet to help you prepare your house to be more senior-friendly. But, not everyone has the budget and time to design a place for their aging parents or grandparents. That is why we are here to give you some universal and affordable tips that can help you create a senior-friendly home.
- Install non-slip flooring – We all know that slippery surfaces are one of the leading causes of accidents inside a home. That is why if you want to make your home more senior-friendly, we suggest that you change the flooring of your house to be slip-resistant. You can simply do this by putting non-skid mats under your area rugs or eradicating your area rugs. Do not forget that tripping is also as dangerous as slipping. That is why make sure that you remove tripping points.
- Make sure that your house is well-lit – Make sure that you have good lighting throughout your home, and having a well-lit staircase is not enough. This is because dark rooms can be prone to falls and bumps. That is why you need to make sure that there is ample lighting in your doorways, lobby, and room.
- Have accessible and safe bathrooms – Most people think that installing shower grab bars will make bathrooms safer, but there are other ways to make your bathroom safer, especially for seniors. You can also try to install grab bars near the toilet, and in most rooms, you might think it’s needed. Aside from that, you can install a faucet control that has a single handle, so the chances of scalding near sinks or washbasins will decrease. A handheld shower is also a lot easier to use for people who have limited mobility.
- Use the right mattress – Make sure that you use the best bed in the elderly’s bedroom. Take note that it has to be at the right height, as well. This is because if the mattress is too low or too high, it can result in a fall or back pain. Experts recommend that a mattress for a senior should be around 20 to 23 inches thick. You can also opt for adjustable beds because they proved to be helpful for long-term use and their ability to be lowered and raised makes it easy for elders to get it and out of bed.
- Make your kitchen more functional – Older people need a functional kitchen to bake and cook in. Not only that, but a functional kitchen also makes it easy for them to store and get food without needing to crouch or bend too much. Having kitchen appliances that have user-friendly functions and interfaces can also help seniors make their way around the kitchen easily. You can also opt for an open shelf design to allow the elderly to access their frequently used ingredients and favorite foods easily.
There are other things that you need to do and consider when you’re creating a house for older people. You can create a low-rise entryway to the place by building a ramp, or you can install rails on either side of the stairs for easy access. Just remember that the rails should be at least one to one and a half inches in diameter so that they can adequately accommodate seniors. Remember, the safety of all the people in your household should always be the number one priority.