Our homes are so important to us. The home is the place we look forward to relaxing in after a long day but they’re also where we grow old and in turn where we watch our families grow. Your personal needs may change over time but your home should always remain a place of comfort.
Your house shows off your character, your personal taste and the kind of family you have. It holds so many precious memories – which is why people struggle to part with a home that has been so cherished. However, a home is nothing if it’s not comfortable or safe.
Are you making plans to renovate your current space? Maybe you’re designing an extension or contemplating some home improvements. If so, consider what the next 10 years holds for you; you might have an elderley relative living with you or perhaps you’re planning on building an annexe; you may even be ready to retire yourself. There is plenty you can do to adapt your current property to cater for those who are getting older and slightly less mobile. Rather than the upheaval of moving, make the most of where you live and continue loving it.
Whether you’ve got grandchildren on the way and you need more space or you’re getting a little more senior and you need to plan for retirement, you may need to make a few changes to your home to make it risk free.
If you feel it’s time to make a few adjustments, here are some tips for turning your home into a hazard free environment:
Stair lifts
In an ideal world, all seniors would live in one story bungalows but unfortunately, not everyone has this luxury. There are, however, ways to make your two-story home more senior friendly. If you’re struggling to get up and down the stairs, it might be time to invest in a stairlift. Stairlifts in the home are very accessible and can really help seniors maintain their independence. You can get a stairlift that ties in with the style of your home but, most importantly, it will ease your anxiety and provide you with safety.
A room with a view
Ensuring you have a good view will allow seniors to feel part of the community as well as engaged with nature, boosting mental health. As well as for aesthetic reasons, increasing lighting at all entry areas will provide you with more safety.
Night lighting
As elderly eyes begin to deteriorate, it might be more difficult to move around at night. Low night lighting should be used in the home. You can Install motion detection lighting inside and outside the home to avoid any nasty falls.
Create a safe bathroom or washroom
The bathroom is the place where most accidents happen, so make sure that you prepare for all potential risks. Get anti-slip mats for the floor and the bath as well as grab bars. You may need to adapt your bath or get a bath chair. Many seniors visit the bathroom in the night, so install a night light in the bathroom as well as one for the route.
Update your surfaces
Do you have an uneven pathway or a slippery patio? If so then it’s time to update them. Avoid uneven surfaces both indoors and outside to prevent accidents.
Reduce clutter
Things like extension cords and wires and slippery throw rugs are unnecessary clutter that are potential falling hazards. Make sure clothes, shoes and books all have a home that can be reached with ease. Simplifying and minimizing the home will help reduce danger.
Update your kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home, so it should be equipped suitably for your senior. Have an accessible pantry and store everyday items at reaching level. Consider having a table and chairs so that you or your senior can sit as they chop their vegetables.
Guess I need to make these changes at home to make it a safer space for my kids. Thanks for this post!