Seniors spend the great majority of their time at home. Having access to modern furnishings and appliances ensures Canada’s eldest citizens have the best quality of living possible.
When it comes to home renovations, however, it’s important to keep the behaviour of seniors in mind prior to making upgrade selections. This guide provides 3 easy ideas for senior-friendly home renovations.
FALL PROOFING
Falls are a common hazard experienced by senior citizens. Many deaths involving seniors at home can be attributed to falls that could have been prevented by proactively taking steps to enhance safety features that prevent falling.
Fall-proofing works by installing handrails on both sides of a stairway, removing rugs and other movable elements near stair landings, and adding no-slip strip treads along stair risers. In addition, alternating materials can be used to provide contrast, making stairs more easily visible.
SIMPLE DOOR & FIXTURE HANDLES
Seniors often have difficulty operating door and fixture handles in different sections of the house. The inability to open a door or turn a knob can make even the most simple tasks frustrating, like bathing and cooking.
One way to prevent this problem is by installing simple, easy-to-operate door and fixture handles in each room of the house–like doors that swing both inwards and outwards. This not only makes tasks easier to complete but also prevents possible injuries from overexertion.
NIGHT LIGHTING
Finally, night lights can help make navigating the home easier for seniors with vision problems, especially during the evening and other periods of low brightness. These lights can be installed in homes along the edges of corridors or inside rooms.
In addition to general navigation, night lights have an added benefit in that they allow floor surfaces to be more easily seen, helping to prevent falls and other hazards. Night lighting is one of the most cost-efficient ways to keep seniors safe.
NEXT STEPS
If you or a loved one has a senior at home–or if you’re a senior citizen yourself–you may want to consider senior-proofing methods for your next home renovation project.
If you or a loved one has a senior at home–or if you’re a senior citizen yourself–you may want to consider senior-proofing methods for your next home renovation project.
Have questions about where to start? We can help. Call Litwiller Renovations in Calgary at 403.275.2588 for advice on how to get your next home renovation project underway.