Evolution is a part of life.
This especially holds true when it comes to our living space.
As a young adult, our priorities for upkeep are often limited to a working kitchen and bathroom, a small area for recreation and a bed to crash in at the end of the day.
Fast forward a few years, and we find ourselves decorating our home with pictures of our partner, pets and kids, with the latter also causing us to childproof every sharp corner and latch every drawer that we can find.
Then, there comes a point when the space that harbored us for a major part of our lives needs another round of modifications, only to make our day to day life easier during some of our most delicate years.
While finding tips on making a bachelor pad seem trendy or a family home look stylishly elegant is a walk in the park, it is not the same case when it comes to looking for suggestions on how to make a house senior friendly.
Whether you are searching information for yourself, your parents or your grandparents, the scarcity of helpful advice is bound to frustrate even the calmest of souls.
To make the process easier for you, we went ahead and put together a short list of basic changes that will help you make the right decisions in order to have your desired living space become a senior-friendly home.
Mobility
One of the most important aspects of senior living, mobility, makes the top of this list because in order to live comfortably and not be confined to a single room all day, seniors need a space which accommodates their growing needs when it comes to moving around the house.
The most essential element of a senior friendly house seems to be a good stairlift, which allows the elderly to move from one floor to the other seamlessly.
Other items and modifications which are imperative in this area are chair casters for existing furniture, ample empty space between objects, as well as handles and support fixtures along critical spots around the house, such as the bathroom and kitchen.
Alarms and Emergency Care
Accidents and unforeseen events can take place for even the most careful of people. Therefore, instead of waiting for an unfortunate incident to take place before making a decision in this area, take the initiative and have emergency fall alarms and care systems installed around the house. This way, in the case that an emergency arises, help will be on the way.
When installing such a system, ensure that you do a few test scenarios with the alarm company in order ascertain the efficacy of the process. You do not want to take any chances with something that you would be relying on in such a crucial setting.
Constructional Changes
In addition to installing these items around the house, check if any constructional changes are required to make the surroundings more senior friendly.
Such modifications include but are not limited to having a no threshold shower instead of a tub in the bathroom, having ramps built next to your front door in place of stairs, using slip resistant flooring, and installing windows which allow seated individuals to look outside with ease.
Having a Sense of Independence Is Important
No matter the age, a person’s independence and their ability to make as much decisions as they can is of the utmost importance and should be appreciated at all times.
Therefore, if you are a caregiver, take some time to talk to your loved one in order to know what changes they are comfortable with and which other requirements they need to be fulfilled.
On the other hand, if you are relying on someone’s assistance to carry out these operations for you, do not hesitate to let them know of your thoughts about what you think is best for you.
