Creating A Safe And Welcoming Environment - Tips For Remodeling Your Home For A Senior

26 March 2015 by Marvin Carroll

For most people, growing up at home means being provided with an environment by your parents that is both welcoming and secure. As your parents age, then, it is only natural to want to be able to return the favor and provide a similar environment if at all possible. This means focusing on your home's accessibility and safety.

Below, you'll find a guide to some tips for making your home safer and more accessible for senior citizens. By following these suggestions, moving a dear loved one into your home can go far more smoothly, and you can guarantee a happy and safe outcome for all involved.

Bathroom

The bathroom is the place in your home that's most frequently associated with the potential for accidents, and as such, it may require the most attention. One important remodeling option is the installation of grab bars, providing an opportunity to more easily transition from sitting to standing and offering at least the possibility that a falling person may catch themselves.

You may also want to consider installing a tub or shower designed for people with impaired mobility. Roll in tubs have a swinging or sliding access door built into the tub wall, allowing people who require the use of a wheelchair or other mobility aids to enter the tub without having to dangerously lift their legs.

Kitchen

One of the biggest challenges that faces many seniors in the kitchen is the strain of stooping. Important kitchen appliances and cabinets may be very low to the ground. Items such as your oven and dishwasher should be relocated to be higher and therefore easier to reach.

It can also be easy for many older people to be confused or overwhelmed by appliances that do not have universal controls or designs. If you're remodeling your kitchen to accommodate an elderly loved one, it's important that you select an appliance collection that will allow for a common understanding of functions and controls.

Bedroom

Most people spend most of their time in their bedroom, so you should be sure it stays as safe a possible. Having an easily reachable phone in the bedroom can be a matter of life and death if a serious fall were to occur. You should also consider the effect lighting has on the safety of a bedroom, as dim lights that cast strange shadows can make it difficult to maneuver around large and potentially dangerous bedroom furniture for people with fading eyesight.

If you have more questions, contact a company like M L W Contracting Ltd renovations.

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