Tips for Creating a Safe and Comfortable Home for Your Elderly Loved Ones
As our loved ones age, creating a comfortable and safe home environment becomes a priority. A well-thought-out space not only ensures their physical well-being but also contributes significantly to their emotional health and overall quality of life. Below are some practical tips and ideas to transform your home to meet the needs of your elderly family members.
As our loved ones age, creating a comfortable and safe home environment becomes a priority.
Our Journey | When my mother decided to sell her home and move in with my family, we planned to make some thoughtful modifications to our home for her comfort and safety. However, her house sold quickly, leaving very little time to prepare for her arrival. Fortunately, minimal modifications were needed earlier on as she was able to navigate around the house with only minor inconveniences. However, after a few health crises, along with Mama’s declining mobility, we had to pivot to making quick adjustments for her immediate health and safety.
I learned some valuable lessons throughout the process of navigating the challenges to adapt our home to accommodate my mother’s ever changing needs.
Assess the Living Space:
Thoughtful assessment and planning is necessary before you begin to make changes. This ensures that the changes you make meet your loved one’s needs and are cost-effective. Considerations include:
Immediate and long term needs
Mobility needs and health conditions
Daily routines
Areas in the home that access is needed
Placement/storage of items in which access is needed
Lighting, heating and cooling
Furniture placement
Furniture and equipment needs
PROTIP: Consult with healthcare professionals as they can provide valuable insights into necessary modifications.
Comfortable and Supportive Furniture:
Invest in furniture that will provide comfort and support, such as chairs and sofas with proper lumbar support, easy-to-access seating, and recliners and adjustable beds.
PRO TIP: An adjustable bed is a great option for seniors. Choose one with a simple remote to allow your loved one more control over the settings (raising or lowering the head or foot of the bed to their desired preference). Adjustable beds also provide some health benefits whether it’s adjusting the incline to alleviate snoring or elevating the foot to improve circulation.
Adequate Lighting:
Good lighting is critical for seniors, especially those with vision impairments. Ensure that every room is well-lit and use nightlights in the hallways and bathrooms to prevent falls during nighttime visits.
PRO TIP: Install motion-activated nightlights in key areas so you can set it up and forget it!
Implement Physical Safety Measures:
Remove any trip hazards by securing loose rugs, using non-slip mats, and addressing any uneven surfaces throughout the home.
Install handrails in key areas or check sturdiness of handrails on staircases.
Use bedrails to prevent falls if necessary.
Clear walkways so that they provide sufficient space for your loved one to navigate freely around the home (especially if they are using a walker or wheelchair).
Install ramps to provide access to the home, as needed.
Make sure emergency contact numbers clearly posted where your elderly loved one can access them.
Invest in a medical alert or other system for your loved one to access immediate emergency services.
Use Smart Home Technology:
Explore the possibilities of smart home technology to enhance safety and convenience. Smart thermostats, security cameras, and emergency response systems can provide added peace of mind for both the elderly individual and their caregivers. For some elderly loved ones, voice assistant technology like Amazon Alexa or Google Home can enhance accessibility and independence for turning on and off lights, playing music, and learning the weather, time, or current news.
Boost Bathroom Safety and Comfort:
Install grab bars in the shower and near the toilet
Install a raised toilet seat and bidet
Use non-slip mats, a shower chair or bench with handle bars
Convert the bathtub to a walk-in tub or shower
Place frequently used items such as toiletries, towels within reach
Don’t forget to make the bathroom warm and cozy by using warm colors and decor that your loved enjoys
Creating a Cozy Bedroom:
Transforming the bedroom into a comfortable retreat is great for boosting mental wellness. Use soft, breathable bedding and extra pillows for support, and keep essential items within easy reach, such as a phone, chargers.
Social Spaces:
Create inviting spaces for socializing in your home. Arrange comfortable and adaptable seating in common areas and incorporate memory-friendly elements like family photos or cherished mementos to evoke positive memories. Keep walkways clear of any items that may hinder movement (walker, wheelchair) and prevent accidents.
Accessible Kitchen:
Whether your loved one is cooking or just passing through, there are a few easy things you can do to modify the kitchen to make it more accessible and senior friendly. Place items your loved one uses regularly within their reach. When possible, group items frequently used together. Use labels or other identifiers so they can easily locate items they need. Remove extra furniture or items that may hinder their movement in the kitchen and allow their walker or wheelchair.
Outdoor Space:
Create a comfortable outdoor space that your loved one can access. Keep in mind the climate and weather conditions. Create a special seating with room for relaxation, reading, and of course do puzzles.
PROTIP: Consider getting board games for outdoor use such as tic tac toe, etc., so that you and your loved one can enjoy some activities together, especially if their mobility is limited.
Make it feel like home:
Add personal touches like family photos, artwork, keepsakes, or some of their favorite music. Involve your loved one in picking a wall color or other decor. Regularly add fresh flowers or indoor plants.
