8 Simple Ideas to Make Your Home Elderly-Friendly

In the Filipino tradition, taking care of our elderly parents and other senior family members is very important. Aside from the senior citizen benefits they get from the government, we also pay attention to their needs and aim to give them a comfortable life as a way of thanking them for raising us. Therefore, in addition to our efforts to shower them with affection, it's crucial to apply home modifications or purchase a house and lot property that's safe for them. Since elderly family members have different needs from younger people, carefully applying elderly-friendly modifications inside the house will support their safety.

As we grow older, preparing for an elderly-friendly home is a great way to invest in our future. We must consider things like the stairs, accessibility to the different areas of the house, lighting, ventilation, and even placements of home essentials. Mobility and physical limitations are the common concerns you'll be dealing with. So, here are some ideas and tips to help you build a safe and comfortable space for your aging relatives or yourself in the near future.

8 Ways to Create an Elderly-Friendly Home

1. Modify the Accesses

In preparing your home for the elder, it's important to apply furniture modifications and create facilities that are easily accessible. Start by installing lower cabinets and putting limited high shelves to store dangerous items. Also, higher beds are essential to them. Remember, universal designs won't work in making your home safer for our elderly fellas. Doing so leaves them at a higher risk for accidents. As much as possible, we want to place the necessary needs within easy reach and also make sure to consider that the changes are accessible to instruments like wheelchairs.

2. Consider the Movement Flow

Ensure that your living room layout allows seniors to move around freely without knocking over or bumping into furniture. You should choose layouts that are clean and clutter-free so that thoroughfares are comfortable. For example, an L-shaped sofa and round center table can be placed next to each other to allow free passage. This will still give you an elegant living room layout that doesn't disrupt the traffic flow of the room. Our loved ones can also benefit from widening doorways to avoid accidental bumpings.

3. Purchase Security Cameras

Considering the advances in technology, there are now innovative ways to upgrade the safety of the senior citizens living in our houses. Installing a security camera will definitely add protection and make your home elderly-friendly. Besides, having security cameras installed inside the house can provide peace of mind since you'll have access most of the time.

4. Add Grab Bars and Install Handrails Inside the Bathroom

The bathroom is one of the particularly dangerous areas for elderly people. So many seniors are struggling to use this place because it holds potential danger from slippery tiles, wet areas, shower curtains, narrow layouts, and even bathroom products. Sitting down and getting up is a struggle so install grab bars and handrails to make life easier. Door knobs are hard to use so door lever style hardware will do. A grab bar can literally save a life. So, instead of a fixed shower head, do them a favor and install a hand-held showerhead, put wash basins within reach, and add a shower seat.

5. Install Slip-Resistant Floors

By opting for slip-resistant and pebble-tiled floors, you are adding protection for seniors to prevent falls and injuries. However, most floorings are usually tiled and polished. If changing the floor to anti-slip floor tiles is not possible, lay down perforated anti-slip rubber mats or anti-slip rug underlays. As much as possible, avoid polished stone flooring and ceramic tiles since they are very slippery surfaces when wet.

6. Opt for Good Lighting

The family elders should be able to find their way around the home much more easily if the home is properly lit. This would minimize the risk of injuries for our elderly residents. According to elderly-friendly home design, senior homes must have adequate lighting. Natural light can be maximized during the day through the window by the bed. And during the evening, night lights and a tube light on the wall will be helpful. Install emergency lights in case of an electrical blackout and install them on the stairs, in the kitchen, and at the exits.

7. Provide Spaces for Lounging

When having their morning tea or reading the newspaper, elders love to relax in comfortable lounging spaces like balconies and terraces. Hence, you should choose chairs with backrests and armrests to provide support. For active seniors, a spacious lounge area would be great to soak under the sun to have their recommended daily dose of Vitamin D through sun therapy.

8. Prepare Landing Spaces

An elderly-friendly home must have landing spaces. Since senior citizens are much more prone to accidents due to old age, a home must be secured with safe landing spaces. Stairways must have balustrades, and additional handrails, and must be free from sharp edges. The flooring must also be free from bulky carpets and hard items. If you aren't sure about making modifications, you can seek professional help to avoid potential hazards and protect older adults from harm.

Lumina Homes: The Best Retirement Investment

Getting old is an inescapable part of life. All we can do is prepare ahead of time and make sure to invest in an elderly-friendly home. So, if you're peeking for an affordable house and lot for sale, Lumina Homes is the best partner you could ask for. We can help you get a space where you can build a home that will be your safe and comfortable home regardless of age.

Lumina Homes is one of the most trusted housing developers that offers high-quality house and lot in the Philippines. In over 50 key locations, you can choose where you would want to settle down with your family. Check out our residential projects in Rizal, Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, Zambales, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Pangasinan, La Union, Cagayan, Isabela, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Quezon, Camarines Norte, Albay, Sorsogon, Iloilo, Capiz, Cebu, Negros Occidental, Agusan del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Bukidnon, Misamis Occidental, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, and South Cotabato.

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