According to the 2022 U.S. Census Bureau Survey, roughly one-third of seniors live alone. The rest either live with a spouse or an unmarried partner, or have a different living arrangement.
The problem with living alone past the age of 65 is that people won’t always have the same mobility and strength that they had when they were younger. Not all homes take senior safety into account and provide the kind of accessibility they need. However, you can always change that with renovations.
Here’s your guide to home safety modifications for the elderly.
The Importance of Safe Home Features for Seniors
Many elderly want to stay at home, where they’ve built up their lives and families. However, home is not always the safest place to be, especially if they live alone.
Mobility, vision, and strength all decline with age. Homes designed for younger or more able-bodied individuals can become hazardous to seniors who struggle to navigate it. Those who live alone may fall and find themselves unable to stand or even call for help.
Renovating for those aging in place allows seniors to live more independently and reduces the risk of injury.
Key Aging in Place Renovations
The kind of renovation a senior’s home needs will depend on the individual and their condition. Some renovations are as small as adding grab bars to the bathroom for extra stability when standing and sitting. Others are more subtle, not requiring a lot of construction work.
Improving Accessibility
Increased accessibility is one of the main reasons for senior-friendly home upgrades. A home should be easy to navigate so daily tasks are more manageable.
One way to increase accessibility is to widen doorways and hallways. You want to widen them to at least 32 to 36 inches to accommodate wheelchairs or walkers better. Ensure hallways are clear of any obstructions.
Exterior doors should have ramps or no-step thresholds. This can minimize trip hazards and make it easier to push wheelchairs in and out of the building.
Bathroom Safety
Bathrooms are one of the most accident-prone areas in a home. Floors often get wet, which can cause seniors to slip and fall.
You can do a few things to make the bathroom a safer space. Some modifications you can make include:
- A walk-in tub or zero-threshold shower
- Grab bars
- Comfort-height toilets
- Anti-scald faucets
Walk-in tubs and showers, paired with non-slip flooring, can make bathing much easier for seniors. A shower chair will also help them bathe without taxing themselves too much.
Grab bars placed near toilets and in showers will help seniors maintain their balance. Comfort-height toilets make it easier for seniors to sit and stand.
Kitchen Adaptations
Kitchen adaptations should make it easier for seniors to prepare meals and access necessities with ease. These changes may include:
- Lowering countertops
- Installing pull-out shelving
- Replacing twist knobs with lever-style faucets
Like with bathrooms, slip-resistant flooring can reduce fall risks.
Lighting Enhancements
A well-lit home is easier to navigate and safer for seniors.
LED lights can provide bright and energy-efficient lighting. Install them in all rooms, hallways, and staircases so there aren’t any dark areas.
Motion-activated lights eliminate the need for switches and can help preserve energy. They’re useful for seniors who often forget to turn off their lights.
Fall Prevention Strategies
Falls can happen anywhere in the house. That’s why it’s important to install non-slip flooring or rugs that can make it easier to navigate.
Rugs will keep seniors who wear socks indoors from sliding on smooth flooring. However, you’ll also need to put in non-slip pads to prevent the rugs from shifting.
Ensure that cords are tucked away neatly so they don’t obstruct pathways. Handrails installed on the sides of staircases and in long hallways can help seniors who struggle with their mobility.
Bedroom Upgrades
Bedroom upgrades may consist of the following:
- An adjustable bed
- Well-placed nightlights
- Accessible storage
An adjustable bed can make getting out of it much easier. Nightlights illuminate the pathway from the bed to the bathroom or other areas. Accessible storage like wardrobes doesn’t require seniors to bend or reach to get clothing items.
Technology Integration
Smart-home technology can go a long way in creating a safer and more accessible environment for seniors.
Voice-controlled devices control lights, thermostats, and any other appliances connected to them. Smart door locks add extra security and ease of access.
Senior living communities include emergency response systems that can summon help in case of a fall or medical emergency. However, those who live at home can opt for medical alert necklaces or bracelets.
Senior Accessibility Home Tips
The key to senior home accessibility is to prioritize usability and plan for future needs. Most seniors will continue to develop more problems with their balance, memory, and strength. It’s important to take these factors into account when making renovations.
Always involve the senior in the decision-making process. Their input will help ensure that the upgrades meet their preferences and needs.
Cost of Senior-Friendly Home Upgrades
One hurdle that keeps people from making home renovations is the cost. Medicare may help cover the cost of durable equipment like grab bars or ramps. Veterans can also qualify for grants or loans to make their homes more accessible.
There’s also the option of moving into an assisted living community. These communities offer homes for their residents tailor-made to fit their needs. Residents also gain access to personal care staff who can help with chores around the house and cooking meals.
Senior Safety Made Easy
Many homeowners aging in place fail to take into account senior safety. They may believe they’re just as capable as they’ve always been and that their home is fine. However, a few little changes can make a big difference in preventing falls or accidents.
Terrabella Thornblade provides assisted living and memory care for seniors in the Greer, SC, area. Our community has a wide variety of features and amenities, including an on-site beauty salon and scheduled enrichment activities. Reach out today with any questions and to schedule a tour of our community.
