Everyone deserves to live in an environment that is comfortable for them. While stylish interior design can be a good way to enhance aesthetics, you must also think about practical features in your house as well. Quality lighting, for example, adequate storage facilities, kitchen layouts, etc. A lot of the time, you might not give much thought to these aspects of home design, but as you get older and your needs change, you might. Whether you are a senior citizen who needs to make alterations to your living space or know someone else in this situation, here are some home design ideas for the elderly.
1. The Bathroom
Bathrooms are essential in any home, but slips and falls can be risky, regardless of age. However, this can become a bigger problem for senior citizens, so you might want to consider making some adjustments in this space to accommodate this. For example, choosing bathroom tiles that have a better grip or installing support bars in the shower or around the bath. You could also alter the bathroom door so that it opens outwards rather than into the bathroom space. This can be beneficial in the event of a fall, as it allows someone else to enter the bathroom easily so they can assist. You can find good examples of bathroom design and other home features for seniors at facilities like these nursing homes.
2. The Kitchen
Another way you can modify a home to suit the needs of a senior citizen is by making some changes in the kitchen. Raising or lowering kitchen countertops could be useful, the latter being better for those who might need to use a wheelchair in their later years. You may also want to think about how you are storing kitchen utensils and how easy they are to access safely. Lights under cabinets to illuminate countertops more efficiently can also be beneficial.
3. Widening the Staircase
Going up and down the stairs can be more challenging for senior community members, particularly if the staircase is steep. If you or your parent/relative needs to use a stair lift, then widening the staircase might be necessary to accommodate this piece of equipment. This might be useful whether you need a stair lift or not, providing more space on previously narrow staircases. Additional support bars are also a change that is worth considering.
4. Consider Positioning of Plug Sockets
It’s not uncommon for plug sockets to be found in a low position, usually just above the skirting boards in a room. However, this isn’t always ideal for senior citizens, as bending down that low can be more challenging as you age. Altering the position of plug sockets so that they are in easier-to-reach spaces could be another good adjustment to a home for an elderly individual.
If you or a loved one is starting to need to make changes to their lifestyle to accommodate their age, then consider these updates to the living space that could benefit them.
