The aging population continues to grow and with their special needs for daily life, it is important to design homes to suit their needs. When creating spaces for seniors home designers should have the expertise and knowledge to design spaces that are accessible, safe, and comfortable for the seniors. This will not only ensure that they live independently and dignity, but they will age gracefully in their homes. Here are some practical interior design tips to help you create safer spaces for seniors.
General Design -
When designing a space to suit the safety and accessibility of seniors, it is essential to follow these general design rules:
1. Set Up Well-Lit Areas –
Ensure all parts of your home are well lit since adequate lighting makes it easier for the elderly to find their way around. It also prevents injuries, and you can use large windows to maximize natural light.
2. Use Specific Colors –
Bright and specific colors aid with creating a contrasting effect which helps with depth perception. This allows the seniors to differentiate items and it reduces confusion in their space.
3. Consider Open Floor Planning –
Rearrange your open floor layout to allow the seniors to move around without bumping or knocking over the furniture. Consider clean and clutter-free planning to allow free passage and ensure it doesn’t disrupt the traffic flow in the home.
4. Choose Slip-Resistant Floors –
Such types of floors make the home safer by minimizing accidents. If installing or changing the flooring is not possible you should consider using anti-slip rubber mats.
5. Install Ramps –
Ramps are safer and easy to walk on, thus you can replace step entries with ramps and this will allow the seniors to move in and out of their spaces with ease. Ramps are suitable for seniors who move by wheelchairs because it makes their home more accessible.
The Kitchen –
Ease of use and fluidity should be your principles when redesigning the kitchen for the seniors. If your loved one loves cooking install easy to reach cabinets and ensure all appliances are well-positioned to reduce too much movement. Adjust the height of the sink to their suitable height, opt for a hands-free faucet, choose shallow sinks, consider under-cabinet lighting and invest in a pull-out pantry. Have a sturdy stool in the kitchen that the elderly can sit on while cooking, have round edges for countertops, and put the microwave at counter height.
The Bathroom –
Bathrooms are a challenge for the majority of the elderly to navigate, however, there are a wide array of options to make them user-friendly and more safety. Invest in a shower seat, a handheld showerhead, or a walk-in shower will make the bathroom safer and accessible. For adults with difficulty in standing, you should adjust the height of the toilet or install a seat extender, an anti-slip flooring will help to avoid accidents, and adding shower rails will help facilitate their balance while they are in the bathroom.
Bedroom & Closet Design –
The bedroom is an important space, and you should take into account the bedroom design tips to make the experience for the seniors hassle-free. Redesign the bedroom flooring with a soft, plush carpet and this will keep the room warmer, it will be easier on their joints, and it will prevent falls by providing friction. Avoid throw rugs or mats at all costs as they are a higher risk for causing trips that lead to accidents. Change their closest design so that it has more space and is accessible to avoid cluttering. Consider adding a sturdy chair in their closet to allow them to sit while they are dressing, add a bed rail, have a phone beside their bed, and adequately lit their closet. Finally, a profiling hospital bed can reduce the danger of falls, help discomfort of pressure ulcers that can be an issue in long term care environments and maximize comfort.
The Living Room –
The best living room for the elderly is one that is uncluttered and has a simple furniture arrangement to make it easy for them to navigate. Grab bars are also essential in the living room when they are fixed on the walls next to where the elderly love to sit the most. Consider adding lift chairs to aid the elderly with getting up from the furniture and arrange the living room in a way that accommodates the needs of those with limited mobility.
Laundry Room Design –
When designing the laundry room you should consider the needs of the mobility-impaired, thus you should design the laundry room in a way that makes it easier for the seniors to access the laundry room. Consider having the laundry room near the bedroom, easy-to-read controls, have the washer or dryer raised, and choose pull-down shelving.
Miscellaneous Tips –
Some of the miscellaneous design tips include installing a chair lift on stairs, clearing pathways, installing longer-lasting LED lights, and choosing east to maintain plants.
Final Thoughts –
These interiors design tips can make much of a difference and before redesigning your space you should consult with professionals. Redesign your home in a way that meets the needs of your aging loved one.
Author Bio: This article was written by Conor O’Flynn of O’Flynn Medical. O’Flynn Medical are the leading supplier of medical equipment in the UK and Ireland.
