As your loved ones age, it becomes increasingly important to think about how to best care for them. For many, that means considering how to set up their homes to meet their changing needs. After all, as your parents or grandparents age, they may begin to experience difficulties with mobility, vision, and hearing. Additionally, they may need help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
So, what can you do to make your home more comfortable and accessible for the elderly? Here are a few ideas:
Install ramps
With aging, everyday tasks can be increasingly challenging to accomplish. Simple things like going up and down the stairs can become a real problem. That’s why it’s essential to consider installing ramps in your home if you have elderly family members or friends who live with you.
Ramps provide a safe and easy way to get around, reducing the risk of falls and injuries. They also make it easier for them to leave the house and stay active, which is crucial for maintaining their independence and preventing isolation.
So if you’re looking to make your home more senior-friendly, be sure to install some ramps. You can find them at most home improvement stores or online. Depending on your needs, you can choose from various materials, such as wood, metal, or concrete.
Incorporate grab bars
You might have seen grab bars in public restrooms, but did you know that you can install them in your home? Grab bars are an essential safety feature for seniors, as they provide support and stability when moving around.
You can place them near the toilet, in the shower or tub, next to the bed, or anywhere your loved one might need some extra help. Grab bars come in various sizes, shapes, and colors, so you’re sure to find something that fits your home’s style.
Installing grab bars is a relatively easy and low-cost way to make your home more senior-friendly. Plus, it can give your loved one’s peace of mind knowing that they have some extra support if they need it.
Invest in bathroom safety
Did you know that the bathroom is one of the most dangerous places in the home for seniors? With slippery floors and hard surfaces, it’s easy for them to fall and injure themselves.
Fortunately, you can do a few things to make your bathroom safer for seniors. For example, you can install non-slip mats in the shower or tub. You can also place a handrail next to the toilet. And be sure to keep all of your cleaning products and medications out of reach.
There are many other products for bathroom safety, such as raised toilet seats, shower chairs, and grab bars. By investing in some of these items, you can help your loved one age safely and independently at home. Making your bathroom more senior-friendly doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. You can help prevent accidents and injuries by making a few simple changes.
Make sure there’s plenty of lighting
Seniors also get their eyesight deteriorating. This situation can make it difficult to see things inside and outside the home. That’s why it’s essential to ensure plenty of natural and artificial lighting.
Open the curtains during the day to let in as much natural light as possible. And be sure to turn on the lights at night. Install additional lighting fixtures, such as lamps or wall sconces. These can provide extra light for tasks like reading or cooking.
But if you want to take things a step further, you can consider installing smart lighting. This type of lighting is controllable with your voice or smartphone. So if your loved one has difficulty reaching light switches, they can still quickly turn the lights on and off. Smart lighting is becoming increasingly popular and more affordable, so it’s worth considering for your home.
Get a home safety assessment
If you’re not sure where to start to make your home more senior-friendly, consider getting a home safety assessment. A trained professional will come to your home and evaluate the safety hazards. They will then provide recommendations on how to make your home safer.
A home safety assessment can be beneficial, especially if you’re unsure what changes to make. It’s also a good idea to get one every few years, as your loved one’s needs may change.
Making your home more senior-friendly doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By making a few simple changes such as the above, you can help your loved one age safely and independently at home. So don’t wait; get started today.
