Nobody likes to think about getting older, however, it’s something that happens to everyone. Whether you are getting older yourself or are looking to update a home for an elderly family member, there are lots of ways to make your home a more comfortable place. As family members get older, there are lots of different needs that they will have, from moving around the house easily to using different places within the house. It’s easy to overlook these changes, but they can really make a house a more comfortable place and make your family members feel better when moving around. Nobody wants to be dependent on others, and making these changes can really give someone independence.
Upgrade your Bathtub or Shower
When it comes to using baths or showers to get clean, it can be more challenging for elderly people to navigate. You should consider upgrading a tub to a walk-in tub, so that the tub can be entered easily by those who may struggle to get in and out. There are lots of options for this, from converting your tub to finding a bathtub accessibility kit that can add a step – all it takes is a bit of research to figure out what the best option is for your family. You can even add grab bars inside your shower so that your family member can more easily grab and lift themselves up from a laying down position. If you have a walk-in shower, it might be worth considering purchasing a shower bench. This will allow elderly members of your family to sit in the shower, giving them more time to relax, and can reduce slipping risks.
Update your Stairs
If you have stairs in your home, you might want to consider adding in a stair lift or extra railings, so that your loved one can move more easily up and down the stairs. Stairs can end up being quite challenging for those who have gotten older, so it’s important to consider their ability to easily get up and down the stairs. Age UK Mobility have a price match guarantee and can help you with the process, as well as provide a lot of additional support for those who are older. You can also consider adding lighting to your stairs, for those who wake up in the middle of the night and need to use the staircase. Lighted handrails or lights installed under each stair can make a big difference, and you can even explore options that have a motion sensor, taking away the need to turn them on.
Take a look at your flooring
If any of the flooring in your home is damaged or uneven, it’s worth fixing that up, especially for someone with balancing issues or who are dragging their feet a bit as they walk. High-pile carpet can be worth replacing with low pile carpet, so that carpet can be more easily navigated and tile, hardwood and laminate flooring should be looked at, to measure how likely it is your family member to slip on them, especially in high traffic areas. If you have any rugs in your home, you should consider adding non-slip pads or grip tape, so that there is less of a chance for the rug to slip, curl or otherwise cause an issue. If your flooring needs an upgrade then this is a brilliant guide to the best stair carpets.
Rethink kitchen layout
As people get older, they might have trouble bending down and lifting items, so it’s worth taking a look at your kitchen and rethinking the layout. Placing bigger appliances on counters or even sturdy shelves might be better than having them tucked away, down low, in cupboards. Ensuring the fridge and oven are within easy reach can also help with independence and allowing your loved one to be able to cook for themselves. If your kitchen is big enough, adding in a stool or chair will give them the option to sit and rest while they cook or while waiting for their food to be done.
Use technology
There have been vast improvements when it comes to technology, especially over the last few years. There are many, many different home features that can really be made easier and improved for those who are older. Something as simple as having an Amazon Echo or Google Home will allow your relative to call for assistance, create shopping lists, play music and more, though you may need to teach them how to use it. You can install smart technology that allows hands-free control of temperatures throughout the house, featuring displays that are easier to read, add light bulbs that are commanded through voice command, so that your loved one doesn’t need to walk in the dark after switching off a light and even smart curtains that can, through remote control, close their blinds. Though some elderly people don’t embrace technology as much as others, it can really help improve the safety of homes.
There are many small and large steps that can be taken, which will allow your elderly family members to live a more comfortable and independent life – hopefully this article helps you make these changes and start thinking about the world from their point of view. If you do find your home isn’t one that can be made more suitable, you can always consider selling your home and purchasing a new one that is better set up for elderly people. Just ensure you have read over tips for listing your home for sale.