As we get older, our bodies change and mobility is reduced, and it becomes harder to get around and navigate our homes. This can be a hard truth to accept for a lot of people, they like their homes just the way they are, and they think that making the necessary changes will ruin the décor, but this isn’t the case. Let’s explore.
Accessibility
Getting in and out of your home safely is important as you age because it helps to ensure that you can still get out into the community. The changes you make will largely depend on your lifestyle; if you go out or come back in low light for whatever reason, a motion sensor light can help to ensure that you can see where you are going. Handrails or a ramp might also be advisable if you are a partial wheelchair user or your front door is at the top of a set of steps.
Getting Around Inside
Your home also needs to be well-lit to help to offset the risks of trips and slips. If you are a partial wheelchair user, it also makes sense to think about having your door frames widened. Having everything you need on one floor also makes sense, which is why a lot of older people choose to downsize to a bungalow. If this isn’t possible for you, a stairlift might make it easier for you to access the upper floor of your home.
The Bathroom
A high percentage of accidents in the home happen in the bathroom. Luckily, there are a lot of innovations and tweak that can help, from hands-free toilets to shower seats to bath lifts. You could even opt to transform your bathroom into a wet room. In addition, long-handled sponges can help if you can’t bend down, or your mobility is limited in any way.
The Garden
Your garden might present hazards as your mobility becomes compromised. It might be worth adding railings or swapping out the gravel for smoother paving. If your garden gets a lot of sun, then it is also worth considering having an awning installed to provide a bit of shade. Too much sun can have detrimental effects as you age; you become more prone to suffering from sun and heat-related ailments. Awnings, like the ones offered by Nationwide, can be a great solution; you can find out more here.
The Kitchen
There are a lot of innovations for you to choose from if you find that you need help in the kitchen. For example, there are spike cutting boards which allow you to prepare food one-handed; there is also a kettle tipper which helps you to put the kettle if you find it getting too heavy for you. You could also get a stool for the kitchen if you find it difficult to stand for long periods.
Summary
This world is built for the young and able-bodied, and if you aren’t that, it can be difficult to navigate. Luckily, there are things that you can do to make your home more accessible. Think about whether you are struggling with your mobility, your eyesight, your hearing or your memory and work out some solutions to help you continue to live independently.
