- You must ensure entryways are accessible and doorways wide enough to accommodate mobility aids.
- Adapt bathrooms with grab bars, shower seats, and non-slip mats. You may also consider installing a walk-in bathtub or curbless shower.
- Install pull-out shelves, lower countertops, and appliances for easy access to kitchen and storage areas.
- Improve lighting with brighter bulbs, task lighting in key areas, and motion-sensor lights for added safety.
- Choose functional furniture such as lift chairs, recliners, barrier-free furniture, and adjustable tables/beds.
As the population ages, more seniors are choosing to live independently. This is excellent news for those who want to remain in their own homes as long as possible. However, not all homes are designed to accommodate seniors.
Seniors face many challenges in their homes, such as limited mobility, difficulty reaching high cabinets, and the need for more accessible bathrooms. This blog will outline a few tips for creating functional homes for the growing senior population in the community.
Accessible Entryways
The first step to creating a functional home for seniors is to ensure the entryways are accessible. This means there should be a ramp or flat threshold for those using mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers, or canes. Doorways should also be wide enough to accommodate these mobility aids, and the door handles should be easy to reach and operate.
Adapted Bathrooms
Seniors may have difficulty getting in and out of the bathtub or shower, so it is essential to adapt the bathroom to meet their needs. This can include installing grab bars, shower seats, and non-slip mats. You may also want to consider installing a walk-in bathtub or a curbless shower, which can be easier for seniors to use.
Easy Access to Kitchen and Storage
In order to create a functional home for seniors, it’s essential to ensure that they have easy access to the kitchen and other storage areas. This can mean installing pull-out shelves and drawers in cabinets, lowering the height of countertops and appliances, and installing appliances that are easy to use and understand.
Improved Lighting
Seniors often have difficulty seeing in low light, so it is essential to improve the lighting in their homes. This can include installing brighter light bulbs, adding task lighting in key areas such as the kitchen and bathroom, and installing motion-sensor lights for added safety. Additionally, you may want to consider installing natural lighting, such as skylights or larger windows.
Non-Slip Flooring
Seniors are at a higher risk for falls, so it is essential to ensure that the flooring in their homes is non-slip. This can mean installing slip-resistant tiles or vinyl flooring and removing rugs or carpets that could be tripping hazards. Non-slip flooring can help to reduce the risk of falls and make it easier for seniors to move around their homes.
Functional Furniture
Finally, it is essential to choose furniture that is functional for seniors. This can include the following four things:
Lift chairs
Lift chairs are designed to help seniors get up and down from a seated position more easily. They can be especially helpful for those with limited mobility who may need assistance standing or sitting. Plus, there are many stylish lift chairs that come in a variety of colors and designs, so you can still have an aesthetically-pleasing home for seniors.
Recliners
Recliners are also great for providing extra support and comfort while relaxing in the home. Many recliners have features such as adjustable headrests, footrests, and lumbar support. Recliners can also help to reduce joint pain and improve posture.
Barrier-free furniture
Barrier-free furniture is designed to be easier for seniors to use, with features such as lower counters and adjustable heights. This type of furniture can make it easier for seniors to move around their homes safely and independently.
Adjustable tables and beds
Adjustable tables and beds can help seniors stay comfortable while reading, eating, or using a laptop. These types of furniture pieces can be adjusted to the ideal height for each individual, helping to reduce fatigue and strain from bending over.
By investing in functional furniture for seniors in the community, you can help to create homes that are safe and comfortable for them.
Creating functional homes for the growing senior population in the community is an important step to ensure that they can remain independent and safe. Investing in accessible entryways, adapted bathrooms, easy access to kitchen and storage areas, improved lighting, non-slip flooring, and functional furniture are all essential to creating a home in which seniors can enjoy living. With these tips, you’ll be able to make sure that your elderly loved ones have the support they need as they age gracefully at home.