Are you growing older? It’s time to think about the safety around your home! Is your bathroom set up to prevent falls? Is your home bright enough to see clearly? These are all things to think about! With a few simple renovations, you can improve the safety and comfort of your home!
Simple Bathroom Modifications
One of the first rooms in your home you should assess is the bathroom. Tubs and showers can be a huge safety concern if you’re at risk of falling. Fortunately, swaps like walk-in tubs or installing handrails can help make these areas more safe and accessible.1
When shopping for walk-in tubs and showers, be sure to look for units with non-slip surfaces, built-in seats, and grab bars. Installing grab bars in other areas of the bathroom, such as near the toilet and along the walls can also help make this room more safe and comfortable.
Additionally, consider installing a raised toilet. This is a great option for seniors with mobility issues. After all, nobody wants to get stuck on the toilet, right? Finally, place non-slip mats near the vanity and outside the tub or shower to help maintain balance and prevent falling. These simple upgrades can make a major difference in ensuring your comfort at home!
Must-Have Kitchen Upgrades for Seniors
Don’t overlook the kitchen! There are simple upgrades you can make in this room too that can help make your home more safe. For starters, make sure your countertops and cabinets are at accessible heights. If they’re not, it might be worth hiring a local contractor to install something more appropriate for your height.
Further, if you have a traditional knob faucet, it might be time to upgrade to a lever style. These are a lot easier to use and can be especially beneficial for seniors with arthritis. You could even go one step further and opt for a motion sensor faucet – the water simply turns on with a wave of a hand. Now, that’s convenient!
Finally, make sure your kitchen has non-slip flooring to prevent slips and falls. At the very least, install non-slip mats near the kitchen sink. Maintaining clean floors, free of clutter, and ensuring your cleaning products don’t make the floor slippery is also essential for preventing possible falls.
Improve Lighting
Is your eyesight not what it used to be? You’re not alone! But with that in mind, it’s important to improve the lighting in your home to prevent accidents. Start by making sure you have enough lighting in each room. Then, consider installing motion-sensor lighting, so you don’t have to worry about switching on lights as you move through the home (especially at night).
It’s also a good idea to think about night lights. Do you make trips to the bathroom most nights? Having accessible lighting on your way to the bathroom is key. Also, consider illuminating pathways both inside and outside the home. Bright lighting is a simple upgrade with a major impact, helping prevent bad falls.
Multi-Story Home Improvements
Seniors living in multi-story homes should consider installing stair lifts or elevators. A stair lift is essentially a motorized chair that travels along a rail mounted to the treads of the stairs. This may be one of the easiest and more affordable ways to make your multi-level home more accessible, especially if you have mobility issues.
Though much more costly, home elevators are also an option. It’s important to work with a professional to discuss your options and find out which is right for your home, budget, and mobility needs.
Entryway Improvements
Don’t forget about the entryway! Getting in and out of your home should be easy and accessible. Seniors in wheelchairs will need to install a ramp, especially if the front entrance isn’t at ground level.
There are different types of ramps, so assessing your needs is important to find the right fit.2 Permanent ramps that are anchored to the ground are a good option for seniors who will need a ramp for a long time. However, if you don’t plan on using your mobility device for long, you can opt for a modular or semi-permanent ramp.
When selecting a ramp, it’s also important to assess the weight capacity and the size of the mobility device. And finally, you’ll need to consider the slope of the ramp. Working with a professional can help you find the right fit for your needs.
Indoor and outdoor handrails are also essential for stairs inside and outside the home. If you’re mobile and can climb stairs, consider installing non-slip treads on the stairs to prevent slipping and falling. These simple upgrades can help you maintain independence, allowing you to come and go from your home safely as you need.
Bedroom Upgrades
Sleep is underrated but the reality is that it’s so important for your health at every age. A good night’s sleep helps keep your brain healthy and memory sharp. It also promotes better physical and mental performance the following day and in the long term.3 As such, it’s important to have a comfortable and accessible bed. Seniors with health or mobility issues should consider upgrading to an adjustable electric bed.
There are many electric beds to choose from, and they have a range of features that can help make getting in and out of bed a breeze.4 Some features to consider include:
- Wireless remote control
- Programmable positions
- Sleep timers and alarm clocks
- USB or USB-C ports for charging devices such as iPads or phones
- Nightlight and bed light options
- Upper body adjustments
- Sleep tracking
- Temperature control
In addition to a comfortable bed, it’s also a good idea to ensure your bedroom has easy-to-reach storage solutions. Simple closet modifications can help ensure everything you need is within reach. It’s also important to keep your bedroom free of clutter, especially off the floor to help prevent tripping and falling.
Technology and Safety Systems
A home security system is great for every homeowner, but it can be especially beneficial for seniors.5 These systems can help prevent crime and provide emergency help in the event of a fire, break-in, or medical emergencies. What’s more, many smart home systems also provide a platform for home automation features that can make your life easier as you age.
Some examples include:
- Smart locks that can unlock as you approach the door. Say goodbye to fumbling for keys!
- Smart lights can be programmed to turn on when you enter the room or can be turned on and off remotely from a smartphone.
Some home monitoring systems also offer health alert systems. These can be carried around the home or wireless. Essentially they trigger an alert in the event of an emergency, such as a fall. Technology can be overwhelming but it can also be a great tool to maintain your independence while making your home safe and comfortable.
Learn More About Home Renovations for Seniors
Creating a safe and comfortable living environment through thoughtful home renovations is crucial for your well-being and independence. Remember, it’s important to tailor the renovations to your individual needs.
While these areas are a great place to start, there are many other simple ways you can make your home more safe and comfortable. Ultimately, by learning more and making simple upgrades, you can help improve the safety of your home and improve your quality of life!