As humans get older, we often find ourselves struggling with a range of new challenges. Our memories can suffer, along with our mental health. Plus, completing tasks that seemed simple in the past, such as cooking meals or taking a shower, can seem a lot more difficult. Fortunately, while nothing can stop time from taking its toll on our bodies, it’s still possible for homeowners to maintain their independence as they get older. A few simple changes to your home layout and resources could make a huge difference to your quality of life as you get older. What’s more, creating a more senior-friendly living space ensures you can continue to care for elderly loved ones throughout the later stages of their life. Here are some of the ways you can make sure your property is comfortable for people of all ages.
Assess Your Flooring
It’s easy to underestimate the impact that flooring has on our safety and comfort in the home. Usually, when we , we look for something that’s both practical and attractive. However, some types of flooring can be riskier to older people than others. Slippery rugs on laminate flooring might look great, but they can also pose a fall risk to those who are a little unsteady on their feet. High-pile carpet can also be a potential trip hazard. Replacing high-pile carpet with low pile and reviewing the slip rating of tile and hardwood can reduce risks.
Rethink the Stairs
Stairs are another common part of many multi-story living spaces, but they’re also a significant threat to those who might not have the best mobility. There are certain ways you can make your stairs safer, such as adding motion-activated lighting or upgrading banisters to give individuals something sturdy to hold onto. However, you could also consider finding a new way to navigate your home. Solutions like offer a safe, convenient, and comfortable way to move between floors in your home without having to deal with stairs at all. They can even be designed to match your home décor and style preferences.
Upgrade the Bathroom
Speaking of fall risks, it’s not just carpets and stairs that present a significant threat to elderly individuals. Bathrooms are well-known for being particularly hazardous as we get older. Water splashed onto surfaces can quickly become a slip hazard, even in small quantities. What’s more, getting into and out of tubs when your muscles aren’t what they used to be can be problematic too. While are great when you have a young expanding family, there are different considerations to be made at this stage. Consider outfitting your bathroom with tools and accessories designed to support independent living. You could switch from a bathtub to a walk-in shower or even install a seat into your tub to help lower you into the water when you’re ready.
Invest in Plenty of Lighting
While some parts of the home are naturally riskier than others for older adults, virtually any environment in your property can become a hazard if people can’t see and navigate it properly. As we get older, our vision can begin to deteriorate. Even with the help of glasses, it can be difficult to move around safely without proper lighting. Make sure you have plenty of light throughout your home. If you’re worried about risks, installing motion-activated lighting can help to prevent you from having to search for a light switch in the dark. You could also consider purchasing smart bulbs, which you can control using an app on your phone, or a smart speaker.
Consider Home Automation
Speaking of smart solutions for the modern home, these AI-powered tools don’t just make our lives more convenient. They can also be exceptionally useful resources for older adults. It’s much easier to control lighting, music, and other assets in the home when all you need to do is tap a button on your phone or speak a command to an AI assistant. Some solutions can even automate tasks on your behalf, working behind the scenes to improve each resident in a home’s quality of life. A smart thermostat can automatically adjust the heating settings in your home to your specific preferences and turn them on and off during certain times of the day. Some tools can even automatically remind you to take your medication.
Creating a Home for All Ages
Your home shouldn’t become less comfortable and convenient as you get older. As your needs change and your vision, mobility, and health evolve, investing in the right home upgrades can make a huge difference to your quality of life. With the steps above, you’ll be able to create a home that continues to be your sanctuary and source of refuge throughout your life. Start making your property more senior-friendly today.