As you get older you need to look at ways of making your home more accessible as you get older, and as much as that makes it more real that you’re getting older it is really important. You want your home to be somewhere that is safe and easy to use as you get older.
So let’s take a look at a few ways we can make your home more accessible as you get older, and it’s not always big changes, it can be small changes that make a big difference to your daily life.
Keep Floors Clear Of Rugs
Rugs are a big trip hazard, we have them in our home in some places and I trip over them! As you get older your legs get weaker and you don’t pick them up as much, so getting rid of rugs keeps the floors clear of any trip hazards. Keeping walkways clear of items help you not have to move around too many items as you’re moving around your home.
Bringing Things Up Higher
Bending over too much as you get older can be tricker, your back and stomach muscles get weaker and there becomes a strong load on your back when bending. So bring your everyday items up higher, place kitchen items on the worktops rather than the cupboards, and cleaning products in head-height cupboards rather than down low.
Make Having A Wash Easier and Safer
Are your bathrooms mobility friendly? Can you get into the shower easily? Or do you still have a bath only, or shower over a bath? With young children, we like to have baths in the home as it’s lovely for them to have a splash around in a bath. When we get older wet surfaces underfoot are one of the worst things, and very easy to trip and slip up. If you have a shower over your bath, you then need to step over. Look into walk in baths as an option, these are great products that you can still have the luxury of a bath, but being able to walk into them, rather than stepping over the large lip of the bath. They come in many different sizes to suit your space, and you can even sit down in them.
Make The Stairs Safer
First, make sure you don’t leave things on the stairs at all, it’s so tempting to leave that item that needs to go upstairs on the step, but doesn’t! If someone doesn’t see it there, it could cause them to fall down the stairs. Make sure you have handrails installed, at least 1, and do look into straight stairlifts if it means you don’t have to make so many trips up and down the stairs.
Think About Steps In and Out Of The House
Don’t forget the steps in and out of your house too, installed large handrails and keep them clear of pots and plants. Also, think about installing outdoor lighting, so the steps are well lit at nighttime. Don’t forget this includes the back garden as well, if you love gardening look at keeping the landscape flat and easy to access.
Lighting Inside Your Home
Make sure your rooms are well lit, this will allow you to see items around your home much easier and if things have been left out and in the way, you won’t trip over them. Also, helps if your sight isn’t as good as it was at seeing where you’ve left things!
Comfortable and Supportive Seating
If you are spending more time at home than you used to, you want to make it comfortable for you. Invest in good seating that is supportive and if you need it to be motorized, then have your favourite chair as a reclining and lifting chair. It will help you get in and out of it, as well as a perfect spot for a little nap!
I hope this has helped you with a few ideas on making your home more accessible as you get older. Your home is a your safe place, so be safe and enjoy your home.