A home should have a design that suits all the household members. When designing or renovating a home, the primary focus should be on safety and convenience for everyone. While younger people can easily navigate around the house, even if it is packed with things, it is always a bit more challenging for the elderly. That said, with some minor tweaks here and there, you can make your home elderly-friendly.
Read on as we discuss some inspiring yet easy-to-work-on elderly-friendly home design ideas.
Elderly-Friendly Home Design Ideas
Take one good look around your home. Identify the high-traffic areas and the ones frequently used by senior household members to upgrade them accordingly. Work on the following ideas when carrying out your home improvement project.
Keep Your Home Layouts Less Cluttered
Start with rearranging the living room furniture. There should be enough space to easily move around. With more moving space available, elderly members will be able to move around independently. Even if they use a walking stick or a wheelchair, moving will be easier for them with fewer obstacles around.
Moreover, there are plenty of benefits to decluttering a home. To maintain a clean and clutter-free space, one can choose multipurpose furniture. There are a variety of furnishing options available nowadays that promote minimalism. One can even visit dubizzle and explore a large variety of used furniture for sale in the UAE.
Install Slip Resistant Floorings
Working with slip-resistant flooring options is also among the many useful senior-friendly home design ideas. These are specialised floorings that offer a more stable and secure surface with ample traction. Porcelain, ceramic, rubber and vinyl are among the different home flooring types that help maintain a slip-resistant surface.
Similarly, instead of re-installing the floorings entirely, one can also opt for using rubber mats, rugs and carpets. Besides, it is a more feasible choice for those looking for cost-effective and temporary solutions to cover slippery floors.
Also, when preparing your home for elderly parents, try to install rubber mats in the kitchen and bathrooms. Floors of these highly functional areas usually get wet and slippery, increasing the risk.
Keep Your Home Well-Lit
You need to rely on both natural and artificial lighting to keep your home well-lit to assist elderly residents. Install light and sheer curtains in different rooms around the house to allow as much light as possible during the daytime. In a less-cluttered space, the natural light will spread in every corner automatically. It is one of the easiest ways to make your home elderly-friendly
On the other hand, make ample lighting arrangements for the night-time. Considering the common reasons for electricity and water bills, go for energy-efficient lighting options. Opt for LED bulbs as their energy consumption is significantly low. Install track lights in your home. When installing these fixtures, focus on areas prone to shadows and corners. These changes will result in well-lit pathways and improved visibility.
Go for Smart Home Solutions
Home automation is all about enhancing convenience and safety in a home. The incorporation of different types of smart home solutions became even more essential in a living space with elderly residents. Home automation entails a myriad of conveniences. These technologies allow remote monitoring of overall home security. On a similar note, to learn more about some effective home security solutions in Dubai, read here.
With just one tap, doors can be locked and alarms can be set. Wifi-enabled home appliances can also be linked with the automation system. For instance, light bulbs, ACs and fans can be turned on or off with a click of a button. All these conveniences make home management for the elderly hassle-free.
Install Grab Bars and Railings
Installing grab bars and railings is a crucial tip for creating an senior-friendly home environment. These are simple yet effective modifications that offer elderly people much-needed support with their mobility needs. Grab bars strategically placed in areas like bathrooms reduce the risk of slips and falls.
Similarly, railings installed in hallways and on staircases in multistory homes offer vital support. You can also work on these creative staircase decor ideas to enhance the overall appearance and functionality of your space. Such functional additions greatly enhance accessibility for the elderly living in multi-story homes, promoting an active and independent lifestyle.
Residential Elevators
Speaking of multi-story homes, another feasible solution is installing residential elevators. Eliminating the need to navigate the stairs, which can be quite daunting for an aged person, residential elevators offer effortless access to different floors of their homes. However, make sure to keep home lifts well-maintained to avoid the inconvenience of unexpected breakdowns. Also, explore the different types and pros and cons of home elevators to make an informed decision.
Lever-Style Doorknobs and Rocker Switches
Installing lever-style doorknobs is indeed one of the practical senior-friendly home design ideas. Unlike conventional doorknobs that have a round shape, lever-style door handles are easier to grip and turn. This makes them more accessible for individuals with limited hand strength or dexterity. They require less twisting motion, reducing strain on arthritic hands and making it simpler for elderly residents to open and close doors.
Likewise, switches with larger, flat panels or rocker switches are advantageous for seniors. These designs are easy to locate and operate, especially for those with mobility issues or visual impairments.
Unlike traditional toggle switches, rocker switches can be easily flipped on or off with a simple press. This results in a more user-friendly experience for the elderly. Making these small adjustments is among key home modifications for ageing seniors. However, when changing the switches beware of these signs of home electrical problems to ensure safety.
FAQs
How to make a home safe for your ageing parent?
To make a home safe for your ageing parent, focus on implementing practical modifications. For instance, a senior-friendly home features grab bars and railings in bathrooms and staircases, preventing falls. Additionally, consider adding slip-resistant floorings to minimise the risk of accidents.
Ensure ample lighting throughout the house, both natural and artificial, to improve visibility, especially during nighttime. Considering the worst-case scenario, here’s what to do if someone gets hurt on your property.
Are there affordable options to make slippery floors safer for the elderly?
Yes, instead of reinstalling floorings entirely, consider using rubber mats, rugs or carpets. These provide traction and are cost-effective solutions to cover slippery floors, especially in areas like kitchens and bathrooms prone to wet conditions.
What are the benefits of incorporating smart home solutions for elderly residents?
Smart home solutions offer remote monitoring of home security, allowing for easy control of doors, alarms and home appliances. These technologies enhance convenience and safety, enabling elderly residents to manage their home environment effortlessly and independently.
These were some creative and useful elderly-friendly home tips. A similar approach to designing and decor might be applied to make a home accessible for people of determination (PoD).
If you are looking for a new place, find somewhere that offers home safety for the elderly. Browse these properties for sale in the UAE and pick a home that checks all the boxes.
For more tips on how to make your home senior-friendly, keep reading dubizzle property blogs.
