When you’re hosting elderly family members, you want to make sure your home is both welcoming and safe. As mobility and sensory abilities decline with age, it’s really important to make thoughtful adjustments to your interior design, so here are 3 helpful tips.
Prioritize Accessibility
You want to create an accessible environment for the safety and comfort of elderly family members. Reduced mobility and balance issues can make navigating a standard home challenging, increasing the risk of falls and injuries.
So:
- Conduct a thorough walk-through of your home so that you can identify and remove potential tripping hazards. This includes securing loose rugs with non-slip pads or removing them altogether, organizing cables and wires along the walls, and keeping floors clear of clutter and low-lying objects.
- Rearrange furniture so that pathways so that there’s space for walkers or wheelchairs. Consider removing or relocating large furniture pieces that obstruct movement.
- Install grab bars in the bathroom, especially near the toilet and in the shower or bathtub.
- Place non-slip mats in the bathroom and kitchen. Choose mats with strong suction cups or rubber.
Improve Lighting
You want good lighting as most elderly individuals do not have the best vision and may need more light to see clearly. This means fewer accidents at the very least.
So:
- Replace standard bulbs with LED bulbs so that you get bright, even illumination. Avoid lights that cast harsh shadows or create glare, which can be disorienting.
- Install nightlights in critical areas such as hallways, bathrooms, and bedrooms so that there’s gentle, consistent lighting. And maybe choose nightlights that automatically turn on in low light conditions.
- Install motion-sensor lights in areas frequently used at night, such as near the bed, in hallways, and in bathrooms. These lights should be positioned to turn on as soon as movement is detected for instant illumination.
Comfortable and Supportive Furniture
You want furniture that offers both comfort and support for elderly guests to accommodate their physical needs.
- Choose chairs with firm cushions and armrests so that sitting down and standing up is easier. Opt for materials that are easy to clean and maintain.
- Ensure the bed is at a height that allows easy access. Use a firm mattress that provides good back support and add extra pillows for additional comfort. And adjustable beds can be a beneficial investment for elderly guests with specific health needs.
- Consider adding recliners with easy-to-use controls so that your guests can relax comfortably. Look for models with power lift functions that help the user get in and out of the chair smoothly. Ensure the recliner provides good lumbar support and can adjust to a variety of comfortable positions.
You want to make your home a safe and inviting space for elderly family members. Try out these tips!
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