14 Safety Home Renovation Tips for Elderly Loved Ones

Before embarking on a home renovation project, it is essential to understand the specific needs of elderly individuals. Each person's requirements may vary, so it is crucial to evaluate their mobility, vision, and overall health. By understanding their limitations and preferences, you can tailor the renovation to suit their needs.

 

Enhance Accessibility and Mobility

1. Installing Grab Bars and Handrails: Adding sturdy grab bars and handrails throughout the home, especially in areas prone to slips and falls, such as the bathroom and stairways, ensures stability and support.
2. Widening Doorways and Hallways: Modifying doorways and hallways to accommodate walkers, wheelchairs, or mobility aids helps improve accessibility and maneuverability.
3. Creating a Barrier-Free Entryway: Installing ramps or gradually sloping pathways instead of stairs at the entryway enables easy access for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.
4. Installing Stair Lifts or Ramps: For homes with multiple levels, installing stair lifts or ramps provides a safe and convenient way for elderly individuals to move between floors without the risk of falls.

 

Ensuring Adequate Lighting

1. Installing Motion-Activated Lights: Motion-activated lights in hallways, bathrooms, and other frequently used areas ensure that older people can navigate their homes safely, even at night.
2. Maximising Natural Light: Maximising natural light through well-placed windows and skylights improves visibility and enhances the overall mood and ambience of the living space.
3. Adding Task Lighting in Key Areas: Installing task lighting in areas such as the kitchen countertop, study desk, and bedside table ensures proper illumination for specific tasks.

 

Minimising Fall Hazards

1. Removing Loose Carpets and Rugs: Securely fastening carpets and removing loose rugs eliminates tripping hazards and reduces the risk of falls.
2. Installing Non-Slip Flooring: Opting for non-slip flooring materials, such as textured tiles or hardwood with a matte finish, helps maintain traction and prevents slips.
3. Securing Loose Cables and Wires: Tucking away or securing loose cables and wires prevents elderly individuals from tripping over them and helps maintain a clutter-free living space.

 

Adapting the Bathroom

1. Installing Walk-In Showers or Bathtubs: Replacing traditional tubs with walk-in showers or bathtubs with built-in seats and grab bars ensures safer and more convenient bathing experiences.
2. Adding Grab Bars near the Toilet and Shower: Installing grab bars near the toilet and shower area provides additional support and stability for elderly individuals.
3. Using Non-Slip Mats: Placing non-slip mats inside the shower and near the sink reduces the risk of slipping on wet surfaces.

 

Creating a Functional Kitchen

1. Lowering Countertop Heights: Adjusting countertop heights to accommodate individuals in wheelchairs or those with limited mobility promotes easier and more comfortable meal preparation.
2. Installing Pull-Out Shelves and Drawers: Incorporating pull-out shelves and drawers in lower cabinets enables easy access to pots, pans, and other kitchen essentials.
3. Lever-Type Faucets and Handles: Replacing traditional knobs with lever-type faucets and handles makes it easier for elderly individuals to control water flow and handle kitchen tasks.

 

Smart Home Technology for Safety

1. Installing Home Security Systems: Implementing a home security system with features like video surveillance and door/window sensors adds safety and peace of mind.
2. Utilizing Video Doorbells: Video doorbells allow elderly individuals to see and communicate with visitors without having to answer the door, enhancing home security and convenience physically.
3. Implementing Smart Lighting and Thermostats: Smart lighting systems and thermostats can be controlled remotely or through voice commands, providing convenience and energy efficiency for elderly individuals.

 

Adequate Handicap Accessibility

1. Incorporating Elevators or Lifts: Installing elevators or lifts allows easy access to different floors, especially in multi-story homes.
2. Building Accessible Entryways: Ensuring entryways have ramps or elevations with gentle slopes enables wheelchair users or those with mobility aids to enter and exit the home comfortably.
3. Creating Wheelchair-Friendly Paths: Designing wide and smooth pathways throughout the home facilitates easy movement for individuals using wheelchairs or walkers.

 

Reducing Trip and Slip Hazards

1. Decluttering and Organising: Keeping the living space clutter-free and well-organized minimizes the risk of tripping and falling.
2. Using Cordless Window Treatments: Opting for cordless window treatments, such as blinds or curtains, eliminates dangling cords that pose entanglement hazards.
3. Installing Handheld Showerheads: Handheld showerheads allow elderly individuals to shower while seated or with minimal movement, reducing the chances of slips or falls.

 

Enhancing Comfort and Convenience

1. Optimal Furniture Placement: Rearranging furniture to create wider pathways and open spaces allows for easier movement and reduces the risk of collisions.
2. Utilising Recliner Chairs and Adjustable Beds: Recliner chairs and adjustable beds provide personalised comfort and ease of use for elderly individuals with mobility issues.
3. Creating Cosy Reading Nooks: Designating cosy reading nooks with comfortable seating and ample lighting encourages relaxation and leisure activities.

Assisted Living Devices

1. Installing Emergency Call Systems: Emergency call systems with buttons placed strategically throughout the home allow elderly individuals to summon help in emergencies quickly.
2. Using Medical Alert Bracelets or Pendants: Medical alert bracelets or pendants ensure that help is just a button press away, providing peace of mind for elderly individuals and their caregivers.
3. Incorporating Remote Control Technology: Utilising remote control technology for various household devices, such as lights, thermostats, and entertainment systems, simplifies operation and enhances convenience.

Promoting Indoor Air Quality

1. Installing Proper Ventilation Systems: Proper ventilation systems, such as exhaust fans and air purifiers, help maintain good air quality and reduce the risk of respiratory issues.
2. Choosing Low-VOC Materials: Opting for low-VOC (volatile organic compound) materials in paints, furniture, and flooring minimises indoor air pollution and creates a healthier living environment.
3. Regularly Cleaning HVAC Filters: Regularly cleaning or replacing HVAC filters ensures efficient air circulation and reduces allergens and dust particles in the home.

 

Considering Age-Friendly Home Designs

1. Open Floor Plans for Easy Maneuverability: Open floor plans with minimal barriers facilitate easy movement and allow elderly individuals to navigate their homes easily.
2. Lever Handles on Doors and Faucets: Installing lever handles on doors and faucets eliminates the need for twisting or gripping, making them easier for individuals with arthritis or reduced hand strength.
3. Lever-Type Light Switches: Replacing traditional light switches with lever-type switches simplifies turning lights on and off, especially for individuals with limited dexterity.

 

Seeking Professional Advice and Assistance

1. Consulting with Architects and Designers: Seeking professional advice from architects and interior designers who specialize in age-friendly home renovations ensures the implementation of effective and practical solutions.
2. Working with Certified Contractors: Collaborating with certified contractors experienced in elderly home renovations guarantees that the renovations adhere to safety standards and regulations.
3. Considering Universal Design Principles: Incorporating universal design principles throughout the renovation ensures that the home remains accessible and safe for individuals of all ages and abilities.

 

Regular Maintenance and Safety Checks

1. Inspecting Handrails and Grab Bars: Regularly inspecting handrails and grab bars for stability and secure attachment prevents accidents and ensures the ongoing safety of elderly individuals.
2. Checking Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Regular checks on smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms ensure they are in working order, providing early warning in case of fire or gas leaks.
3. Assessing Flooring for Wear and Tear: Regularly assessing the condition of the flooring and repairing any damages or tripping hazards maintains a safe environment for elderly individuals.

 

Conclusion

Following these 14 safety tips for home renovation for elderly, you can create a living space that promotes safety, accessibility, and comfort.

From enhancing mobility and minimizing fall hazards to incorporating smart technology and considering age-friendly designs, these tips will help you transform your home into a haven that caters to the unique needs of your elderly family members.

Consult with professionals and seek expert advice to ensure a successful and safe renovation journey.