While trends come and go, comfort and safety never go out of style. As you get older, it’s easier to hurt yourself or find it difficult to get around in your own home. That’s why it’s so important that, if you don’t live in an assisted living facility, you create a senior-friendly space where you don’t have to worry about you or an older loved one getting hurt.
The last thing you want to worry about is tripping over your rug or wrestling with a difficult-to-open door. The idea is to create a safe, cozy, and comfortable living space to make your daily life as a senior that much easier.
That doesn’t mean you have to turn your place into a hospital ward or give up your own personal style. It’s all about incorporating smart and subtle changes that can help you move through your space with ease. Here are some must-haves for a senior-friendly home.
Good Lighting
One of the first things to go when you get older is your eyesight. Things are a little more blurry than they once were, and you might find it hard to drive at night. Give yourself the peace of mind of knowing that you can see everything in the comfort of your own home.
Make sure that you equip your house with plenty of bright lighting so that you don’t have to worry about your safety. Places like the kitchen or bathroom are incredibly important since these are areas where precision matters. Bright, warm LED light throughout the house is a plus, and while you’re at it, consider motion-sensor nightlights. This can give you peace of mind if you ever have to get up and get a glass of water or go to the bathroom in the middle of the night.
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Slip-Free Floors
Even though you might love the way that your fancy rug looks, they are a recipe for disaster when it comes to senior safety. All it takes is one wrong step, and you could find yourself with a broken hip. Slippery floors are also a big concern, so make sure that you secure any rugs you have and opt for floors that glue down—ones that are less likely to cause an accident. Anything with a waxy or shiny finish is a red flag; you should probably think twice about your flooring.
Handrails
Even though it might hurt your ego to admit that you’re not as steady on your feet as you used to be, handrails are incredibly important for senior safety. Install handrails throughout your home—from your hallways to your stairs. That little extra rush of security can make a world of difference, especially since they don’t necessarily have to look like handrails. A stylish banister can add a touch of class to your hallway without making it look like a hospital ward.
