This system has helped people for decades
The ideal senior-friendly abode should be a single-story accommodation unit. For example, a bungalow is perfect.
A raised toilet seat is very useful for seniors who have difficulty sitting on a standard toilet seat. Transitioning from a standing position will be less of a struggle too.
Help facilitate shower or bath time by adding a fold-down seat or bench in the tub or shower.
Set up wireless pull cord alarm systems (personal and fall) in the house that deliver both an audible and visual alarm. An alarm can make an elderly person feel safer, and they also give peace of mind to family.
Consider fitting extra lighting in the bathroom. An elderly person with poor eyesight will benefit enormously from a well-illuminated environment, and it will aid in preventing slip-related injuries.
Make sure the home is fitted throughout with smoke/fire alarms. They are designed to save lives, young and old!
Well placed grab bars in the shower, tub, and next to the toilet can help prevent falls. In fact, grab bars placed strategically throughout the house can help elderly people maneuver more easily from room to room.
You should always be able to reach the washing machine without bending. The same applies to the dryer. The loading area should be able to fit your height. Try to install either on a raised platform.
Many slips and falls occur in and around the bathroom and shower area, so it's a good idea to fit slip-prevention flooring throughout these zones. As an added precaution, place non-skid bath mats and non-slip strips in the bath and shower.
Keep the sink close to the stove. This way movement between two of the most commonly used pieces of kitchen equipment is minimized.
Using kitchen appliances with automatic shut-offs are important (items like kettles). Incidentally, make sure the handle on your kettle is large enough. This way you can hold it in a grip when pouring water.
For ease of use, place the microwave at counter height. Tip: make sure a microwave has a loud "ding" at shut off—seniors need to be able to hear when it has finished running.
Choose a stove with continuous grates (for gas) or a flat surface (hob) so that pots and pans can be removed off the burner without lifting.
Similarly, use open shelving fixed at head height to store crockery and other kitchenware.
Refrigerators should be well lit inside and feature long, one-piece handles that make the door easier to grip for those with arthritis or anyone with a medical condition that causes numbness in their hands or fingers.
Opt for a shallow sink bowl. Rinsing vegetables and washing up is far easier in a sink that isn't too deep.
To avoid nasty bumps or bruises, counters and worktops should have rounded or squared edges.
Install a pull-out pantry. This facilitates easier access to frequently used items.
Insulate any exposed hot water pipes (which makes sense in any kitchen).
Not everyone is fortunate to live in one-story accommodation. If there are stairs, install rails on both sides of the stairwell. Better still if space and budget allow, install a stair lift.
Better exterior illumination is always a good idea. Increase lighting at all entry areas, preferably motion activated for convenience and extra security.
Expanding the lighting theme, try and point lighting at the front and back door handles and locks.
A covered entryway into the home is always an asset. It's desirable to have at least one exterior area completely protected from the elements.
Appropriate flooring in the kitchen and elsewhere in the house is a top priority. Choose a non-glare covering for the kitchen—cork tiling is ideal!
Similarly, it's a good idea to add non-slip flooring in the entry way inside the home.
For halls, lounges, and the bedroom, plush high pile carpets work well if you are concerned about falling accidents.
If possible, create a flush-entry with ramps. This, of course, makes perfect sense if the householder is wheelchair-bound.
Essentially, an elevator should serve an apartment building. This facilitates ease of access for the elderly or infirm, and is wheelchair friendly.
Access to accommodation needs to be smooth and level. Repave and reconstruct approaches—paths, driveways, etc.—where necessary. If leveling uneven surfaces is impractical, add non-slip strips or scuff the surface to create improved adhesion.
Anyone suffering from backache knows how painful it can be just bending over to switch on a light or appliance. Ease potential discomfort by placing plug points at table top height instead of half a meter (1 ft) from the floor.
See also: Old-school charm or out-of-date habits? 30 signs that you are living in the past
A bench placed near the front or back door is a good idea, and allows the tired and elderly to relax.
Fit "loop" pulls or long "D-shaped" handles (pictured) rather than knobs for cabinet doors—arthritic hands will be grateful for the easier grip.
It's an unfortunate fact that most houses are not built to accommodate older people's particular needs. Fortunately, there are lots of ways elderly homeowners or their younger relatives can adapt properties to make them more senior friendly.
So, what are the changes to consider when upgrading a home to make it suitable in later life? Click through this gallery for handy tips on how to age-proof a house so that older people can continue to live safe, happy, and independent lives.
Create a functional kitchen. The objective is to increase accessibility and prevent bending or crouching.
Here's how to make a home senior friendly
Empowering your elderly loved ones to live safely on their own
LIFESTYLE Elderly
It's an unfortunate fact that most houses are not built to accommodate older people's particular needs. Fortunately, there are lots of ways elderly homeowners or their younger relatives can adapt properties to make them more senior friendly.
So, what are the changes to consider when upgrading a home to make it suitable in later life? Click through this gallery for handy tips on how to age-proof a house so that older people can continue to live safe, happy, and independent lives.