The living room is the most important space and the most utilized area in any house. It is where family members meet for dinner, watch movies or catch up after a long day’s work. The area is particularly crucial for older adults who need to spend more time with their friends and loved ones. That is why it is important to make the living room safe, supportive, and comfy for all. There are several ways programs for senior care in Springmaid Bridge, SC create living rooms that are senior-friendly. Here is an in-depth review of how to make secure living rooms for older adults.
Incorporating Grab Bars and Railings
Many older adults tend to struggle with limited flexibility and other mobility issues. Other than that, they happen to have a poor vision which increases their likelihood to incur falls. To make their living room senior-friendly, the management at senior care accommodation can install grab bars and railings around the living space or entry points as well as the toilet area and bathroom to provide support and prevent accidents. The railing and bars will also come in handy and should also be included along the staircase and kitchen areas.
Make the Floors Senior-Friendly
Another aspect that will make any living room secure for older adults is the floor. Floors that are too slippery create a hazard that makes it easy for older adults to fall. Floors that feature natural stone, vinyl, and tile are not ideal for aging folks with poor vision and mobility issues.
The best house for the elderly should include low-pile carpeting rather than shag. Low-pile carpeting has proven to be much easier to navigate particularly for aging folks who use walkers and wheelchairs. Apart from that, this kind of carpeting is effortless to clean besides reducing the risk of tripping, sliding, or slipping. In case the flooring includes rugs, then they have to be secured in place with the help of double-sided tapes or carpet staples.
Adopting Senior Friendly In-house Electronics and Lighting
Proper lighting is a major consideration when coming up with a living space that is senior-friendly and secure. The lighting conditions should be bright and clear to make it easy for older adults with poor vision to see walking paths and avoid potential hazards.
Apart from overhead lighting, the ultimate house for older adults should also feature table lamps and nightlights. Another crucial aspect of the lighting feature is to make them accessible and convenient for aging folks. If possible, the lighting should be automatic or smart in the sense that it can be controlled by voice commands or remotely.
Furnish the Room with the Right Kind of Furniture
There are several attributes of the furniture that will make them ideal for senior living. To begin with, the chairs and couches should be sturdy and supportive to make it easy for the aging residents to move around. In addition to that, the furniture should be compact enough to allow more room for older adults to navigate their living area without a hitch. They should also be of standard height or relatively higher to make the movement of aging residents smooth. Most importantly, the furniture should be stable, safe, and comfortable.
Make the Living Room Spacious
It is crucial to keep the living room of an older adult as spacious as possible. That makes the walking paths clear. Other than that, room living space reduces the likelihood of running into hazards. The walking paths in a roomy living area should be straight with a wide layout that is clutter-free and clean. Primarily, a bigger living room will make it easy for older adults with limited mobility to move around with wheelchairs and other supporting structures.
Time to Create Senior-Friendly Living Rooms
Creating a senior-friendly living room is not difficult. Apart from featuring grab bars and railings, the room should have senior-friendly floors, proper lighting, the right type of furniture, and sufficient space. The ultimate living space for older adults should be safe, supportive, and comfortable.
