As we age things that we once took for granted can become much more of an effort, such as running up and down the stairs with ease, or getting in and out of the bathtub without a struggle. Physical mobility can decline as we get older and can lead to older people having to move to a single-story property that is more accessible and suitable for their needs.
However, if you would prefer to stay living in the home you love for as long as possible, you could make a few changes to adapt your living space for senior living. Here are some suggestions for how you can future-proof your home for your golden years.
Make Your Stairs Safe
The stairs are perhaps the most dangerous area in the home for someone who is unsteady on their feet. Climbing up and down the stairs multiple times a day can become a challenge and for a person with limited mobility, there is a serious risk of injury from having a fall or getting stuck halfway up.
A relatively simple and affordable solution to struggling on the stairs is to install a stairlift. By getting a stairlift fitted in your home, you will have the freedom to move between your upstairs and downstairs floors in safety.
New and reconditioned stairlift models can be installed by a reputable dealer in your local area. If you only require a stairlift as a temporary measure, then renting a stairlift may work out to be more cost-effective than purchasing outright.
There are different types of stairlifts that are designed to be fitted on more or less any style of staircase, including straight, curved, narrow, and spiral staircases. There is no need to worry about the mess and inconvenience of building work, as stairlifts run on a rail attached to the stair treads, not the wall. So, there should be no damage to your décor and no need to redecorate.
Adapt Your Bathrooms
Bathrooms can be another problem area if you find it difficult and painful to bend your knees easily or stand up for a long period in the shower. By remodelling your bathrooms with later life in mind, you can future-proof your home and make your daily routines so much easier.
Bathroom adaptations you might want to consider include replacing your conventional tub with a walk-in bath, installing a sit-down shower cubicle, and fitting grab bars where you may need help, such as next to the toilet.
Another thing to take into account is the type of flooring in your bathrooms, as wet floors can become very slippery and increase the chance of a fall. Instead of choosing a floor just because it is aesthetically pleasing, try to find one that also has non-slip qualities, such as slip-resistant tiling.
Upgrade Your Lighting
If you can’t see clearly when moving around your home due to dark areas because of poor lighting, you could potentially trip, slip, fall or bump into furniture or a wall. Some aspects of upgrading your lighting are usually quite easy and you may be able to do the work yourself, such as replacing old or dim bulbs in lights and lamps with brighter LED ones or relocating lamps to darker areas.
If your home would benefit from some new light fittings to prevent shadows and illuminate poorly-lit rooms, it will probably be necessary to get professional assistance. In addition to fitting new lighting, a qualified electrician could move your light switches to a more convenient height for you to reach, or install an automated lighting system.
Don’t forget the outside of your home. By having some decent external lighting that is operated by motion sensors that detect movement, you can improve the access to your property entrance and make your home more secure.
These are some practical ideas you could implement to future-proof your home for your senior years. By making some adaptations now you are investing in your home for your future and helping your future self to continue living independently in your home as your get older.
