Meta Description: Approximately one in every 100 homes is ideal for aging in place. Learn the remodeling basics to make your home safer and more comfortable for seniors.
Prepare Your Home for Aging in Place with These 9 Changes
Do you think your home is safe and comfortable enough to enjoy your senior years? If you have felt that moving around your own house is getting harder by the year, you probably need to start making some design changes.
(http://www.freestockphotos.biz/stockphoto/17512)
Many homeowners have realized this too late. In fact, only 1 percent of houses are said to have a favorable design for all life stages. Therefore, it is now time that you put the …show more content…
Family and guests are able to move around the house more freely without the hassle of navigating through doors and hallways.
This offers greater freedom and flexibility in furniture layout. Plus, it eliminates unnecessary rooms that use up the space so you get to have more spacious interiors.
5. Bedroom
When the sleeping quarters are on the second floor, then will increase the chances of falls, which may result to grave consequences. Avoid such accidents and opt to make a bedroom on the first floor instead. Not only is this suitable for the elderly, but also for those who have a new baby.
6. Windows
Since poor eyesight is a common problem for those who are aging, then you will need a good source of lighting. Apart from adding fixtures such as lamps and overhead lights, having larger windows offers a more sustainable source that can help you save on energy costs. Not only will this allow natural light to come into your room, but also allow a good view of the outside where one can watch loved ones play in the yard or enjoy looking at flowers and trees. For some privacy or to control the amount of sunlight coming in, you may opt for draperies or …show more content…
Covered entrances, for example, will stop water and snow build-up, while wraparound decks will give access to entrances. Ramps can also make it easier to get outside.
8. Doorknobs, outlets, and switches
Place the switches and power outlets at an ideal height and at appropriate locations around the house. Make sure that these are easily accessible by adults even while seated.
Change the doors with ones that have a lever instead of keeping the usual knob mechanism. This is easier to manipulate, especially by someone who may have to use a closed fist due to arthritis or injury.
9. Inventiveness
Apart from the points mentioned above, you have to consider your lifestyle and that of your family’s too. When making design modifications, remember to always make innovative adjustments. Look for unused space around your house and see what you can potentially do there. Furthermore, you can also improve and re-purpose an old room to suit your lifestyle