Home Renovation Ideas to Increase Safety For Seniors

Renovating your living space is a great way to transform it, make it more comfortable, and keep you satisfied. No matter what age or the sort of home you reside in, there are always fresh and intriguing home remodel projects to consider making your space more comfortable. However, if you have an aged relative who would like to live with you, thinking about modifications and home renovations is exceptionally important to promote senior safety. As your parents & loved ones get older, you might have to make some modifications around the home to keep them healthy and happy, whether they’re living in or just come for some time.

Moreover, many families choose to open their homes to their older relatives, whether out of necessity or preference. Grown children typically remain or return home; single parents regularly share residences with their parents. Changes in American homes’ structure, size, and composition necessitate a fresh look at design and architecture to meet the demands of diverse age groups, from toddlers to senior citizens.

There are several simple methods to renovate your house to suit aging in place, whether for yourself or a family member.  Here in this blog, we will look at a few senior-friendly home remodel projects. We’ll concentrate on five areas of the house in particular:

• Bathroom Remodeling
• Kitchen Remodeling
• Bed Room Remodeling
• Hallways, Doorways, and
• Stairways Upgrades
• Lighting Upgrades

Bathroom Upgrades and Renovation

The bathroom is the busiest space in every house, but it poses considerable concerns to the elderly, so you should consider a bathroom remodel to upgrade your bath space & make it comfortable for seniors. Common flooring materials, such as stone & linoleum, are very slick, areas surrounding the sink and shower can take water, and most bathrooms are tiny, making movement difficult. Fortunately, several low-cost improvements are available that can dramatically reduce the danger of an accident.

Flooring: If you would not want to replace the existing floor, lay down no-slip mats or thick rugs that create a soft, supporting foundation. It will not only give cushioning in the case of a fall, but it will also protect your knees if you need to assist your loved one in bathing.

Shower & Bath: Many seniors suffer from vertigo and other balance disorders, making standing difficult. Install a shower seat or chair to make showering more convenient. Replace the standard shower head with a sprayer attachment to allow your loved one to rinse off in any position. Shampoos, soaps, and other bath goods should be kept in cabinets that are conveniently accessible. Consider a step-through tub or a curb less shower if your budget allows. These things will eliminate substantial trip risks, making the experience safer & more easily reached.

Toilet: Sitting on the toilet might be difficult if your beloved one uses a walker or wheelchair. Consider a comfort-height toilet or cushioned toilet seat to reduce the chance of a fall or fracture. It would be best to consider installing grab bars on both sides of the toilet. Ensure that they are low enough to make an impact. A person with weak legs will have to push up rather than lift.

Doorways, Hallways, Stairways Upgrades

Several elders rely on wheelchairs, walkers, or other forms of mobility. However, the vast majority of hallways and entrances are insufficiently large to accommodate them. You may employ a certified home remodel contractor to adjust your home’s entry and exits, or you can add offset hinges, which allow for more access to the doorway.

Clear all halls and rooms of clutter to promote simple movement. Keep cords wrapped & beyond the way & make totally certain the flooring is soft, slip-resistant and cleanable. If you can’t repair or upgrade the flooring, use non-slip mats in high-traffic areas. You could also think about getting rid of any unnecessary furniture, carpets, or bedding to create a more open and accessible living area.

Stairways are especially dangerous for the elderly. If at all feasible, renovate your home such that everything is on the main floor. If that isn’t a possibility, think about adding a chairlift for simple excursions up and down the stairs.

Kitchen Upgrades and Renovation

Several seniors enjoy cooking & baking even into their golden years, but constant joint pain, eyesight loss, and reduced movement might make it difficult to access the essential materials or instruments. Consider a kitchen remodel to make the cooking area more pleasant. Store the things between waist and shoulder height that are used in everyday cooking such as cutlery, glasses, pots, and pans in cupboards. This eliminates the need for your loved one to bend down or reach heights.

You may also install:

• Lazy Susan trays
• Big handles in place of cabinet knobs
• Pull-out organizers
• Pull down shelving

These items can help your loved one feel more independent by reducing the risk of muscular strains, back discomfort, or stiff joints. You’ll have to consider an alternative strategy if your elder has Alzheimer’s or dementia. Lock up any cleaning supplies, spices, or alcohol, as well as every candle, matches, or other possibly harmful objects, to prevent any accidents or injury. In addition, install stove safety knobs and unhook or disconnect the waste disposal.

Lighting Upgrades

Well, after the age of sixty, your eyes require three times the amount of light they did at what time you were twenty. Routine eye exams, prescription eyeglasses, and cataract surgery can all assist in alleviating some of these issues, but only when combined with sufficient illumination. Avoid the fall accidents with the following tips:

• Let some sunshine in by opening curtains and blinds throughout the day. Install lighting fixtures at the top and bottom of stairwells, entry points, and exits.
• Use glare-free shades or coverings on all lamps and lighting fixtures.
• Lighten up the walls; dark paint absorbs light, making it difficult to see.
• Cover up or remove reflective materials such as mirrors, crystals, or framed paintings that might cause glare.

If your elderly relative has poor eye vision, you may want to consider installing:

• Motion-sensitive lighting
• Light Switches
• Lighted Outlets & cover plates

So, when planning home remodel, you should consider the lighting carefully to make your home comfortable and functional for the seniors living with you.

Bedroom Renovation and Upgrades

The National Sleep Foundation advises that persons over 65 receive seven to eight hours of sleep every night. Restful, restorative sleep has several advantages, including enhanced mood and cognitive performance, a decreased risk of inflammation and illness, and a healthy metabolism. If you are planning a home remodel, consider the following bedroom upgrades:

Bed Adjustments: If your loved one undergoes arthritis or another medical condition that impairs their joints and movement, an adjustable bed may be beneficial. These cutting-edge pieces of furniture allow you to elevate and lower your head and feet quickly. Some even include built-in massage features, heating or cooling technologies, and controls to change the hardness of the mattress.

Bedding and Decorations: Some people have a habit of jerking or kicking in their sleep. These motions might force your senior to roll out of bed, which can result in a fracture or severe bruises. Installing bed rails adds another degree of comfort and peace. When it comes to bedding, choose sheets, blankets, or comforters that do not droop to the floor. The longer the cloth, the more likely it becomes tangled, trip, or fall. Install a mattress protector if your beloved one is incontinent. A plastic barrier wicks away moisture & makes cleanup fast and painless in the case of an accident.

Emergencies can occur at any time of day or night. Ensure the bedroom has at minimum one easy-to-use phone, ideally a wireless phone. Get a voice-activated phone dialer for further convenience. If your beloved one collapses and cannot get up, they will be able to contact emergency services.

Lighting and Blinds: Closing the curtains might be difficult, particularly if you have arthritis. Install motorized shades or window coverings that approach with the stroke of a button to reduce flare-ups and irritation. Install a motion-activated light underneath the bed if your loved one frequently goes to the restroom at night. It’s a low-cost approach to avoid a fall.

Wrap-up:

These are just some of the home renovations and modifications you may undertake to promote elder safety. Before you begin working, sit down and analyze your budget and the specific needs of your senior. These two variables might help you decide which renovations are best for your loved one and family.

It is essential to keep everyone in your house safe and comfortable, particularly when family member’s age or move in with you. Make sure your elderly relatives always feel welcome and secure by taking note of the help they require. Consider these basic home renovations and upgrades to ensure the safety of the elderly in your life. To get professional help, contact homednb, and our pros will assist you in designing and building your home based on your specific needs!