Taking care of your aging parents is a significant responsibility. They need to learn how to adapt to their age and limits that come with it, and you need to help them on their journey. Even though their homes are the space where they feel the safest, aid them with home redecoration for safer use.
Chances are you won’t have to make big changes right away. However, as the ages pass, their homes will need to be adapted for their needs. So, before you spend a fortune on the things they won’t need, check out these tips.
1. Think about the safety
Let’s face it, elderly people are more prone to tripping and hurting themselves everywhere they go. They have limited mobility and slower reflexes which contributes to that. That’s why adapting their homes for safer use is essential. What can you do?
Think of all the places they could trip or hurt themselves, like carpets and stairs. Try to minimise the chances of injury by getting rid of the unnecessary carpets and installing additional grabbers or stairs lifts. That’s one of the best ways to senior-proof a home and make it safer for your parents to live in it. As times goes by, you’ll probably detect more troublesome areas, so keep your eyes open.
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2. Pay attention to the floors
Not every type of flooring is adequate for your retired parents’ home. Even though you may think that the floors in their home are fine, keep in mind their limited movement ability and “heavy feet”. The truth is that carpets and rugs have huge decorative value, but try to find aesthetical pleasure in naked floors.
Just like the carpets come with tripping hazards, some types of floors aren’t ideal because they tend to be slippery. If that’s the case at your parents’ home, consider getting anti-slip mats for slippery areas such as bathrooms and kitchen. They will come in handy especially when your parents are getting in and out of the shower, plus they look great too.
3. Adapt the kitchen
It’s commonly known that elderly people get easily tired, so standing for long periods in the kitchen isn’t the best option for them. As they are still able to take care of themselves and cook a meal, consider adapting the kitchen for their needs.
Implement seating areas where they can prepare their food. Minimise the clutter on the kitchen cabinets for better functionality. Remember to keep everything within the reach to make things easier for them. Adding a cute vase with flowers can’t hurt. It will make your elderly parents feel better.
4. Bedroom decorating
For many people, bedrooms are the most important rooms in their homes. They need to be cosy and warm to affect the homey feeling everyone is looking for. However, overdecorating your aging parents’ bedroom might only cause additional problems. How can you decorate a bedroom?
Instead of adding fuzzy rugs and thousands of pillows, keep things simple. Get pillows that are great for neck and back and decorate the bed with an interesting cover. Don’t forget to add lamps on the bedside tables and remove all the unnecessary clutter from the floor and room.
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5. Add unique details
Who doesn’t like aesthetically pleasing decoration? Just like most human beings, your elderly parents love to have their home decorated with aesthetical details. But keep in mind that too much clutter can be an issue, so, don’t overcrowd their spaces with unnecessary décor.
On the other hand, having beautiful home decor like potted plants and interesting marble treys is exactly what they need. They can take care of the plants and enjoy lovely meals served on unique round and rectangle trays. Consider adding photo frames with family photographs on the walls. Don’t forget to include their beloved pets as very important members of their family and memory wall.
6. Good lights are essential
There is no home décor without the lamps and lights. They make every house feel like a home and contribute to the warm, homey feeling your parents need. So, make sure that their home is equipped with enough strong lights that can keep them up and about.
Install additional lamps in their bedrooms and living rooms. If your parents are keen on knitting or reading, they will be forever grateful. On top of that, it will make night-time trips to the bathroom easier for them. Consider installing motion sensor lights outside or by the front door. It will keep your elderly parents safe at night and ease the process of leaving the house during the evening.
Conclusion
As you can see, you need to be considerate when decorating your aging parents’ home. Think about their needs and abilities while taking care of their safety is crucial. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t decorate their house. Adapt their homes for a happier and safer life of your elderly parents.
