Is retirement right around the corner? Have health problems affected how you get around the house? It could be time for a home update. Whether you opt to renovate, downsize to a smaller house, or go for a custom remodel, there are certain features you ought to include. Here is a brief look into home upgrades and helpful features to make your golden years safer and more comfortable.
Let’s start with one of the most important rooms to modify for senior living: the bathroom. Necessary for day-to-day activities, these rooms get a lot of use but are also considered high-risk for slips and falls. To create a more suitable space, it’s recommended to install either a walk-in tub or a curbless shower with room enough for a chair. These features make bathing less demanding on the aging body and reduce the risk of injury from accidental falls. They ought to be fitted with additional safety features — such as grab bars and handrails — to further prevent bathroom-related accidents.
Other bathroom changes include upgrading to nonslip floor tiles, raising the toilet seat to 17 inches high, and swapping out knob-style faucets and handles for lever-style models. Alterations such as these work to improve accessibility as knees and hands become stiffer or even arthritic with age.
Another safety change to consider throughout the house is the lighting. As vision fades, it may lead to increased fall risks and confusion. To help, it’s advised to install brighter yet indirect lighting as this alternative reduces glares and shadows, which are potential trip hazards as depth perception may be faultier in some seniors. Along the same lines is replacing older bulbs with LED models as these do not require replacement as frequently.
Additional recommendations related to lighting include using large, rocker-type light switches around the house, night lights leading to the bathroom, and under-cabinet lights in the kitchen. If opting for a custom remodel, consider adding larger windows, glass doors, or even skylights to bring in more natural light. Research shows sunlight therapy is beneficial in old age as it helps with depression, supplies vitamin D, and gives the home a cheerier disposition during the day.
It’s estimated that by 2050, over a fifth of the population in the United States will be 65 or older. As a result, there will be a greater selection of these features and others like them designed to enhance senior living. As you plan for retirement, be sure to set aside funds to make your home as safe, functional, and accommodating to the challenges of aging as possible.
For further examples of designing your home for retired life, please see the accompanying resource.
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