When we’re young, we want to design homes that are stylish and fun to socialize in. When we get older, it’s important that our homes are more practical to be able to help us in our day-to-day lives. If you think your parents’ (or another elderly relative’s) home is in need of a makeover, here are some of the ways you can make sure they are in the best accommodation possible for their needs.
Move somewhere with extra support
Before you consider redesigning your parents’ home to better accommodate them in their later years, it’s important to think whether it’s safe for them to be living on their own. No matter how much effort you put into making the décor friendly for the older generation, there are some things that new designs and furniture just can’t help with. For example, many people develop memory problems such as dementia as they get older. If they are suffering from a problem like this then they may need 24 hour a day care to make sure they remain safe. You might feel that you’ll be able to visit them enough to help them remain independent in their own home, but as the number of tasks increase it could become near impossible. If they need help with things like bathing, dressing or even preparing and eating meals, it’s important that they live in a facility where people can be on hand whenever they need help.
Make it easier to get around the house
If you do decide they are able to remain in their own home, one of the first things you should consider when improving their home is how to make it easier for them to walk around. For the younger generation, a set of stairs takes merely a few seconds to walk up. For the older generation, it could take a lot longer. If they lose their balance and have a fall, it could also cause them a serious injury. If this is the case, consider installing a stair lift to help them get to the first floor of their house. As well as the inside, try and improve access outside of the home as well. For example, if there is a particularly high step to get into the front door, consider replacing this with a ramp that would be much easier to walk up.
Choose furniture that makes life easier
Once you’ve sorted out the access around the property, it’s time to replace some of the most commonly used features with devices that are easier to use. If they struggle to get into and out of the bath, consider installing a bath with a door that makes it easier to access. If they prefer a shower, consider installing a chair and rails to hold to make it easier to get in and out of. In the living room, invest in a chair that can be altered to any angle to help make your relative more comfortable. Elsewhere, make sure everything else they need to access on a day-to-day basis isn’t too high or too low so they can access them without having to bend or stretch.
