The U.S Centers for disease Control and Prevention defines aging in place as “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level”
Making a home senior friendly is an important task for many families. It involves creating a safe and comfortable environment that meets the needs of those with limited mobility or other age-related challenges. Here are 6 ways to make your home more senior friendly, so that seniors can enjoy their home without fear of falling or other potential hazards.
This guide will provide a few easy-to-implement tips for creating a more secure and comfortable space for senior homes without the need for an extensive, aging in place renovation.
1. Consider installing handrails or grab bars near toilets and showers.
As we age in place, bathrooms can become more and more hazardous, statistics clearly show this. Simple tasks that used to be second nature, such as getting off the toilet or taking a shower, can become difficult if you lack stability. Fortunately, grab bars are a simple adjustment you can make to ensure these situations remain safe and comfortable. They can provide the support necessary when stepping out of the tub or shower, which requires temporary balance on one leg, potentially on a slick surface. Grab bars around the commode area can provide additional support when using the toilet.
With a grab bar nearby, you can navigate these tasks with confidence knowing that you have something strong to hold onto for support.
Grab bars shouldn’t be limited to the bathroom either. Stepping through a doorway with a step or threshold height change can also be a challenge. A well placed grab bar can provide the support you need, where you need it.
2. Place non-slip mats in high traffic areas such as the bathroom and the kitchen.
Although some types of flooring can become quite slippery, you can easily reduce the risk of slips and falls by purchasing a few non-slip mats. Placing these in keys locations, such as in the kitchen or bathrooms, will provide added protection and peace of mind. For areas that don’t lend themselves to carpeting, non-slip mats are an ideal solution. It’s best to avoid loose rugs altogether as they could also present a potential trip or slip hazard.
3. Make sure all areas of the home are well lit and easy to navigate.
As you get older, your eyesight can begin to blur. The perfect way to counter this issue? Let there be light!
By upgrading the lighting in your home, you’ll create brighter rooms that are simpler to navigate. When replacing bulbs, make sure to use the maximum wattage recommended for each fixture.
In addition, niht lights are great for helping you find the light switch or guiding you for that midnight bathroom trip! Low-cost night lights can also be added along hallways to guide each step, which is especially important as our depth perception often diminishes with age.
Samrt home technology is another thing to consider. It may seem a little intimadating initially, but once set up, you can brighten a dimly lit area with a simple voice command.
4. Declutter walkways and keep everyday items low and within reach.
Creating a safe environment in yuor home as you age in place, especially in high traffic areas, is paramount. Make sure to remove items such as boxes, newspapers, and electrical cords which could be obstructions that lead to accidents.
If there are individuals who use mobility devices like walkers or canes, it’s important to also make sure furniture such as coffee tables, lamp stands or magazine racks are out of the way so they don’t impede movement throughout the house.
In addition, keep everyday items low and within reach. Throw away any damaged items and consider getting a long-handled grabber for those less used objects that may be out of easy reach. This will help minimize the temptation to use step stools or other unsteady devices.
5. Replace traditional doorknobs with lever handles.
As we get older, doorknobs can be more challenging to turn due to our diminishing grip strength. This difficulty can cause frustration and even lead to accidents as a result of the distraction caused.
Fortunately, lever style door handles are an effective yet affordable solution; they require minimal effort while still providing the same secure closure. By equipping your home with these handles, elderly individuals will feel greater ease of access and peace of mind.
6. Consider investing in a stair lift if you have difficulty walking the stairs.
Stairs can be a major safety hazard for people with limited mobility, such as the elderly, people with disabilities, and those recovering from an injury. A stair lift can help to reduce the risk of falls and injuries.
Investing in a stair lift can be an extremely cost effective solution to maintain your independence while ensuring your safety while navigating the stairs. Here at Florida Home Access we have over 25 years of experience helping our customers find the perfect stair lift to suit any style and budget. Our stairway lifts require minimal maintenance, so you don’t have to worry about spending too much money on upkeep. Let us help you stay safe and independent in your own home!
Summary
in conclusion, making your home more senior friendly is an important part of allowing your elderly loved ones to age in place. There are many simple and cost-effective ways to make this happen, such as adding grab bars and ramps, installing non-slip surfaces, using voice-activated technology and more.
Click the link below to learn more about our stair lift services in Florida.
Recent Comments