As our loved ones age, it becomes increasingly important to design a home that promotes their independence and safety. This article will delve into the various strategies that can be employed to create a senior-friendly home, from organization to installing safety features. By implementing these techniques, you can make the home a more manageable and accessible environment for your aging loved ones so they can stay out of a senior living community for as long as they want.
Simplifying the home environment
Removing clutter and unnecessary items from the home can help seniors navigate more easily and reduce the risk of falls. Decluttering involves removing items that are no longer needed or used from the home, which can make it easier for seniors to move around and find what they need. This can be achieved by going room by room and sorting through items, keeping only what is necessary and getting rid of what is not.
Simplifying decor and furniture can also help seniors navigate more easily. This can be done by using furniture that is easy to move around, and that doesn't take up too much space. Additionally, using clear and contrasting colors to define different areas of the home can help seniors identify different areas of the home, such as the living room, kitchen, and bedroom. This can be particularly helpful for seniors with vision impairments.
Improving accessibility
Making the home more accessible for seniors with mobility issues is an important step in helping them maintain their independence. One way to do this is by installing grab bars in the bathroom. Grab bars provide added support for seniors when getting in and out of the shower or bath and can help prevent falls. They can be installed in strategic locations, such as near the toilet and in the shower or bathtub, to provide support where it is needed the most.
Enhancing lighting
Poor lighting can cause issues for seniors in a number of ways. Reduced visibility can make it difficult for them to navigate their home, which can increase their risk of falls and accidents. This is particularly true in areas of the home where there is a lot of activity, such as the kitchen and bathroom, where there are often many potential hazards.
To help seniors navigate their homes more easily and reduce the risk of falls and accidents, it's important to install brighter light fixtures and add task lighting in key areas. This can be done by installing higher-wattage bulbs, adding lamps or other types of task lighting, or installing additional light fixtures in key areas of the home.
It's also important to keep in mind that seniors may have different lighting needs than younger individuals, such as increased contrast, improved color rendering, and more control over light levels. For example, consider installing dimmer switches or motion-activated lights to allow them to adjust the lighting as needed.
Incorporating technology
In addition to smart home systems, there are many other technological solutions that can be used to make the home more senior-friendly. For example, installing a medical alert system can provide seniors with a way to quickly call for help in case of an emergency. These systems typically include a wearable device, such as a pendant or wristband, that can be used to call for assistance with the press of a button. Some systems also include fall detection technology, which can automatically call for help if a fall is detected.
There are also many apps and software programs that can help seniors to stay connected with family and friends, manage their medications, and access important health information. Some examples include medication reminder apps, video conferencing apps, and telehealth platforms.
Jenn Walker is a freelance writer, blogger, dog-enthusiast, and avid beach goer operating out of Southern New Jersey
