As we age, we constantly adapt both our lifestyle and our environment accordingly. The homes we live in need to be comfortable and functional, allowing us and those around us to get on with our day-to-day lives. It is with this in mind that we take a look at how to make your parent’s home more mobility friendly.
In an Ideal World
In an ideal world, senior citizens would live in a bungalow with easy access, or they would live in a large house with an elevator and lots of help. This, however, is not the case for the vast majority of people who are of a pensionable age.
If your parents or other loved ones are starting to struggle when navigating their home, help is at hand; there are a range of mobility solutions that you can put into place, and that will make their lives easier.
Mobility Scooters
Investing in a mobility scooter for a senior for elderly parents can make it much easier for them to enter and exit their home. Plus, short journeys, to the local shop, for example, become much less of a mission.
If there is a step at the front door, installing a simple ramp will make all the difference and “ramp up” the individual’s personal independence.
Adapting the Kitchen
For many of us the kitchen is the most important room in our home, and as we get older there are some small changes that can be made to help keep it that way – it’s all about ease of access.
For instance, switching from cupboards to open shelving can be a big help when it comes to access frequently used items. Installing a fitted oven, at an appropriate height may be preferable to a freestanding one where bending is required to access it.
Dials, knobs, and buttons need to be easy to see and to use, as dexterity and eyesight tend to deteriorate with age. And make the kitchen as safe as possible by considering factors such as pressure balance valves to regulate the tap water temperature.
Tackle the Bathroom
The bathroom is another area in a home that becomes more difficult to use as people get older, but again there is some simple measure that can help. Anti-slip bath mats and bathroom rugs are a good place to start, as are handrails to allow better access to the bath, shower, and toilet.
Other quick wins include installing a strategically placed fold down seat and an adjustable showerhead that is also detachable.
Throughout the Home
In the remaining living spaces throughout the home, try to keep them clutter free to allow free and easy movement. Consider using technology such as motion sensors to switch lights on and timers to switch them off again. And of course, always strive to ensure the home is warm and comfortable.