When we lovingly welcome an elderly friend or family member into our home, there is a greater urgency to make sure that their environment is calm and secure. We also want to create a place where their happiness and dignity can be shown and where they can remain autonomous for as long as possible. This guide examines some practical and loving considerations any homeowner can consider to turn their home into a welcoming and senior-friendly venue.
Understanding the Needs of Seniors
Before talking about specific changes you can make, it’s worth getting an overview of what all seniors need: They often struggle more with their mobility, vision, hearing, or cognitive functions than they used to or are at a greater risk of doing so. Some of this is incredibly obvious (‘Mom! The chair is out of reach!’), but some of it isn’t so apparent. If you know what sorts of difficulties people your age might be prone to, it’ll be easier to nail down your key issues and find solutions.
Key Areas to Focus On
Mobility and Accessibility
Clear Pathways
Make sure that walkways are clear, and pick up things such as piles of magazines or cords that could cause a fall. Non-slip mats in areas such as the kitchen or bathroom, which might otherwise be wet or slippery, can be helpful.
Ramps and Handrails
Ramps should be installed wherever there are steps, both indoors and outdoors. Handrails should be fitted along staircases and in toilets and showers.
Furniture Placement
Put the furniture in a way that will make it easy to walk around. For example, don’t put items in a way that narrows the pathway too much, and make sure that the chairs and beds are low so that you can easily sit or stand up from them.
Safety Enhancements
Bathroom Modifications
The bathroom is a viable high-risk place for seniors, you may want to consider installing grab bars for the shower and toilet. A walk-in bathtub or a shower with a bench would be a safer option. Non-slip flooring is a key factor.
Lighting
Sufficient lighting is essential. Be sure that every room, hallway, and staircase is kept well lit. Motion-sensor lights could be particularly helpful in the hallways and bathrooms to avoid fumbling with switches.
Emergency Preparedness
Keep emergency phone numbers and first aid station supplies within easy reach. And don’t forget a medical alert system that will let seniors call for help in an emergency.
Comfort Considerations
Temperature Control
Ensure that the home is well-heated in winter and well-cooled in summer. The elderly are more likely to feel the cold and heat, just as their energy levels fluctuate with the seasons.
Furniture Comfort
Select angled furniture and accessories that keep you supported and comfortable (ergonomic chairs and beds with adjustable settings, for instance).
Personal Preferences
For example, take into account what the senior likes: their favorite colors and styles and whether they like to knit, crochet, play guitar, or do anything else they like to do. It seems small, but making a living space feel just like home can greatly enhance the occupant’s emotional well-being.
Accessibility Features
Kitchen Adjustments
Lower kitchen counters, where you prepare and serve meals and work on projects, should be at a level comfortable for everyone in the family. Pull-out shelves and cabinet handles let you reach a variety of dishes without straining your body. Place large, easy-to-see buttons on your appliances.
Bedroom Modifications
Make sure that the bed is no higher than 18 inches from the floor so that the person does not need to stretch too much to get in or out. You can use bed rails if needed or consider an adjustable bed for comfort.
Technology Integration
Use technology to improve safety and comfort. For example, smart devices in the home can help with lighting, security, and even reminders to take your medicine.
Health and Wellness
Physical Activity
Promote home-based physical activity. Devise a stretching routine or gentle yoga exercises to increase flexibility and muscular strength. Leave plenty of space in which to exercise, and use exercise aids if necessary.
Mental Stimulation
Set up spaces for games, crafts, puzzles, or reading; mental engagement promotes brain health, so make sure these rooms and activities are tidy and accessible.
Regular Check-ins
Have regular check-ins with family members and/or build an ongoing relationship with carers or professional services. This is to monitor how people are doing and respond to ongoing needs.
Implementing Changes
When implementing these changes, it’s essential to approach them methodically:
Assess Needs
First, assess the individual needs of the senior. Perhaps do a home safety audit, which you can often get from senior service providers.
Plan and Budget
Draw up a concrete plan of what you want to change. Set a simple budget for your changes since some alterations will probably need professional installation.
Seek Professional Help
For some changes (for example, installing ramps; changing structural features such as doorways, hallways, interior or exterior stairs; and creating hoist systems and elevators), seek out a professional who can make the changes and ensure that the changes are made correctly and securely.
Involve the Senior
Encourage input from the seniors as much as possible; they are the experts on solutions that will provide a good fit with their preferences and needs.
Monitor and Adjust
Once those modifications are made, check to see if they’re working, and stay open to making more changes based on feedback from the senior or your observations.
Careful planning and consideration can create an environment where seniors can comfortably thrive and age with dignity in their own homes. Consider how best to support mobility, safety, comfort, and accessibility to the greatest extent possible. Consistently reassess and make residency adjustments to ensure that the environment meets their changing needs. Let this be a place where they truly feel at home.
