Some senior citizens like to live in an assisted living community, while others prefer to live in their hometown. More than 70% of older adults prefer to age in place than in an assisted living facility. Are you interested in learning how to make your home more accessible to seniors? Modifications to your home can make it easier for the elderly to live at home.
As parents or caregivers, we understand that there are many things to consider regarding safety. There are important safety concerns when caring for older parents, or an elderly loved one. It might look like a nice, safe environment, but the home is perfect for an attacker to strike, so always secure it.
Many people are taking the plunge and moving in together to have a better life by living together. This includes the elderly, who can enjoy living with friends, but sometimes their home doesn’t meet their needs through the help of home modification for the elderly or disabled. Older adults face some of the most common risks, including falling, dementia, incontinence, and cognitive impairment.
If you want to know how to keep your loved ones safe when they are older, you should invest in a GPS tracker. It’s a good idea to give your loved one a cell phone, so they can call for help when needed. If you don’t think you need a nursing home, you might want to consider the benefits. Your loved ones will be able to receive the best care in a private setting if something happens to you, and you have an added layer of protection.
12 expert tips and home modification examples that will help you create a safe, functional space for your elderly loved ones in the home:
Create bigger doorways
If a senior needs a walker or wheelchair to get around her home, adding a wheelchair ramp is a must-have home improvement. This is important because you must ensure that electrical wiring is safe and meets code requirements before proceeding.
You will need to measure the width of your home and know how many feet of the wall you are working with. You should also know how much space is between the wall and the exterior walls to avoid hitting the exterior walls when pouring the concrete. To ensure the new concrete is level, you will want to lay a string line down the center of the wall. Next, you will want to use a level on each end of the string line.
Modify your kitchen design
Our countertops and cabinets are often too high as we age. They can become hazardous if we are wheelchair-bound. Professional contractors experienced in home modification services for seniors may need to come in and lower the sink to allow easier access from a seated position. Having a microwave that can be easily removed from a countertop to save space and accommodate smaller appliances is an important consideration for older people.
Change your flooring
The first step is to examine your home’s existing floors. A carpet’s nap length will affect the way the carpet looks. A longer nap makes the carpet appear more worn-looking, whereas a shorter nap makes the carpet look younger. Seniors are less likely to trip on shorter-nap carpeting. It’s also better for seniors who use walkers or wheelchairs to make the surface more comfortable.
Wood, tile, and laminate flooring can be smoother and safer for people who have trouble navigating the rough surfaces of other types of flooring. Many people use throw rugs on these types of floors, so be sure to secure them in place to avoid tripping and falling.
If there are potential tripping or falling hazards, eliminate them or make them safer. If you want to live in your own home for as long as possible, then you’ll need to do everything in your power to modify your home to make it more comfortable, safe, and accessible.
Take advantage of the latest technology
Home improvements have gone up in recent years. A number of easy-to-make improvements will help you live a more independent lifestyle. There are many affordable home monitoring tools if you want to stay independent and not become a burden to friends and family. You will learn about medical alert systems and other ways to improve safety when you are older.
Medical alert system is a must
Having a medical alert system is one of the best resources available to someone aging in place. It’s extremely important to have the right systems in place so that when you fall, you can call for help. These fall detection devices help monitor at-risk elders and contact emergency services if a fall happens, or the alarm button is pressed.
Most home security companies are trying to find new ways to use the power of technology to protect people’s homes. They come in the form of smartphone apps and they can even be worn. With this style of speaker, you’ll connect it to your home base and have it rest on a flat surface. A two-way alarm is a device that allows you to talk to your emergency contacts, such as your spouse, children, or parents, when the alarm sounds. Whether you have caregivers at home, live in an assisted living facility, or are aging in place in your home, a medical alert system can be an inexpensive, life-saving tool.
Lit your stairways
Lighting should be increased on all steps. For safety purposes, there should be a light near the top of each step so that you can see what lies beyond.
Use a stair lift If you have any stairs in your home, consider buying a stair lift. These are usually very affordable and easy to install. Locks for your doors A deadbolt lock is the best choice. It is inexpensive and can prevent intruders from breaking into your home. Use an alarm system Alarms are an effective way to protect your home. They are not expensive and can help you sleep better at night. Create a secure home office. Your home office should be completely enclosed.
Maximize the use of lighting but reduce glare
Elder-friendly modifications to a home include making sure that it is not noisy for an elderly person, as well as making sure that it is safe for an older person. People with poor vision might want their walls to be covered in a dark or medium gray color. The ceilings of rooms with poor lighting need to be painted or tiled white.
For safety and to eliminate glare, floors should be dull. Older people need more light to do the same things. They don’t have to shade, so they need a lot of light in order to see. The lighting should not be seen.
Declutter your home
The more space for each room in your home, the better. Your paths and the spaces you’ve created will help people move around comfortably. You don’t need unnecessary furniture around your house. Get rid of it if you can, or at least make it available for someone else. Make a list of the things you’d love to have in your home but don’t need now.
Create handrails for stairs
If there are stairs, make sure they have a handrail that runs along the entire length of the staircase. Consider adding a reflective strip if any steps are particularly steep or difficult.
Start using a pull-out pantry
Homeowners of all ages will find a pullout pantry useful since it lets them see everything at a glance. It’s convenient to have drawers that give you easy access to your canned goods and cereals, but they also strain your back and knees. You can use the pullouts to store portable appliances.
Use an elevated toilet seat
Toilet seat risers are great for seniors with trouble getting up and down. Raise toilet seats are very easy to assemble and have padded handles for added comfort. Elevated toilet seats or toilet seat risers can be added above the original seat to help make it easier for the older adult to sit down and rise.
Improve your natural light through windows
If you have good eyesight, you can see obstacles in front of you before they get in your way. You need to get enough natural sunlight into your elderly loved one’s home. Installation of the right light fixture can help if you have a lot of natural light. Encourage your senior relative to add more windows and open them so you can see the sun if they have told you about it.
Creating a more accessible and safe environment with SHE Interior greatly
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