The Best Home Modifications for Seniors Aging in Place

Some seniors love the idea of spending their last days in assisting living communities. However, most of them want to stay in their homes and age in peace. Seniors are not very fond of disturbances and drastic changes. Assisting living communities to allow them to retain their independence, but the home brings them comfort that no other building can replace.

If you want to enable them to stay in the house, you have to invest in some home improvements. Seniors are not as handy and active as they used to be. You have to ensure that they can move around the house freely, without hurting themselves or other family members. Luckily, new design and technologies will help you turn this idea into reality.

Wide entry doors will help them move freely

If the oldest members of your family tend to rely on mobility aids, you have to expand the main entrance. Some seniors have to use a wheelchair to move around the house. If you think about all home modifications, widening the doorway should be your priority. These improvements can be costly. But, it's necessary to invest if you want to improve the quality of their lives. They will be able to spend some time outside, even if nobody else is in the house to help them.

Install ramps that will enable them to enter the house

Climbing the stairs and entering the house can be a challenge for some seniors. If they're unable to move without a wheelchair, it's advisable to install ramps in front of the main entrance. Hire licenced contractors that will be able to complete this project.

Don't forget that you need to make other areas in your house wheelchair accessible. Indoor ramps will help them navigate throughout the home without your assistance. These ramps will increase safety. They will allow them to retain independence and continue with their lives if you're not around.

Think about setting up a bidet

Some seniors require assistance when they need to go to the bathroom. These moments are not very comfortable because some of them feel like they're losing their dignity. It's vital to consider minor bathroom upgrades if you want to make this process a lot easier. Some of the best bathroom elements that will make a difference are bidet toilet seats. It's hard for seniors to clean themselves during the bathroom visit, and these devices will allow them to improve their hygiene. A device such as a bidet can boost their confidence.

Once you take care of this problem, incorporate other useful bathroom elements as well. Non-slippery mats will enhance safety. Other small adjustments, such as lowering the sink, will enable them to wash hands and face.

Find better flooring options

New flooring can be quite expensive. You will have to save enough money to provide a specific type of flooring for seniors in wheelchairs. If you have a lot of carpets in your home, remove or replace them. Replacing them with newer models will lower the risk of trips and falls. Opt for hardwood, laminate or vinyl flooring because their surface is smooth and it will allow seniors to move comfortably.

Conclusion

Taking care of seniors can be tricky, especially if you live in another city or have children. But, you have to remember that this is their decision and they can't entirely depend on you. It's advisable to provide as much as you can and visit them often. If they want to be able to prepare meals, you will have to invest in kitchen modifications as well. They should be safe if you leave them unattended, and you won't have to worry about them all the time.

Mia Ackerson is a Melbourne-based freelancer who is interested in business, technology, interior design, home improvement, gardening, baking, and cooking! She's also a babysitter!