For the majority of senior citizens, the opportunity to live independently at home is a much more favorable option compared to moving to a specially designed facility. This is also a more affordable option too. But, in many cases, the specific design of the home, don’t meet the needs of the elderly. Older people often have problems reaching cupboards and switches, climb the stairs, use bathroom fixtures and walk freely around their home.
The good news is that many of these obstacles and issues can be solved without investing a large amount of money. Generally speaking, remodeling for this purpose usually consists of adjusting and modifying the space to the requirements of senior citizens. This is especially true when we are talking about older people with walkers or wheelchairs. Now let’s check some of the remodeling suggestions for better independent senior living.
First of all, in case you are interested in changes in the kitchen, you should analyze the best positions for the appliances. For instance, the microwave should be placed below counter level or at the same level. On the other hand, the wall oven should be placed a little bit higher and it should include cook top that can be controlled from the front side. Furthermore, it is better to install a shallower sink. A side-by-side fridge is the best option because it is easy to use it without bending or crouching. The cabinets found in the kitchen should come with pullout shelves. They should also have large handles. Don’t try to save money on electrical outlets because older people need them in convenient places.
Another thing that you should take into consideration is the bathroom. If the older person is using a wheelchair, you should install an adequate bowl. Furthermore, the use of a single-lever faucet is a must because it is easy to reach. If you have a chance, install grab bars close to the toilet and to the shower. Don’t forget that there are faucets with sensors, so try to use this technology if it makes the use of the bathroom simpler.
Finally, think about the cooling and heating. The elderly need a comfortable space where they won’t feel cold or too hot. Luckily, there are many different HVAC systems out there, so you can easily find out that suits the needs of senior citizens.
These are just some of the adjustments you can make in the home to make it more elderly-friendly.
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