7 Ways to Adapt a Home for a Senior Resident

7 Ways to Adapt a Home for a Senior Resident

Many seniors would rather live in the comfort of their family home instead of moving to a retirement residence.

Whether you want to support an aging family member remaining in their home or renovate your own house so they can move in with you, we have 7 tips you can implement to create an environment suitable to their needs.

1. Make it Safe to Use the Stairs

If your home has more than one storey, make sure that the stair railings are securely fixed to the wall. If needed, and if your budget allows, you may want to have a stair lift installed to help the elderly person move from floor to floor. Some models attach to the wall while others fasten directly to the railing. Adding a runner to the stairs is also a good idea to cushion falls.

2. Keep Pathways Clutter-Free

The entryway, hallways and staircases must be unencumbered to avoid trips and falls. Accidents do happen! Remove all potential hazards from the floor: potted plants, storage baskets, decor accessories, etc.

3. Modify the Kitchen as Needed

Replace the gas stove with an induction plate or an electric burner model. They have heat control options and so reduce the risk of burns. If you want to keep the gas stove, you can install devices that will automatically shut off the gas supply.

Moreover, make sure that the senior can easily access pots, pans and other kitchen utensils. A simple step stool is not a safe choice for getting to items on the top shelves. You might also want to consider changing to a dish set made of a lighter, less fragile material, and thinner glasses that are easier to hold.

4. Make the Bedroom Safer

Nobody should have difficulty getting out of bed in the morning or in bed at night, especially the elderly. In fact, it is at this age that a fall or moving the wrong way can lead to serious injury. If sitting up or lying down requires more effort, install a grab rail and adjust the bed’s height for greater ease of movement.

5. Prevent Falls in the bathroom

An Italian-style shower is ideal for the elderly. This type of shower has a level floor, so there is no obstacle to step over when entering and exiting the shower, greatly reducing the risk of falls. A suitable bench or seat will serve as a safe place to sit and wash. Install grab rails inside and outside the shower, by the toilet and beside the bath. A non-slip mat on the bottom of the bath or shower is also strongly recommended.

6. Keep Their Feet Firmly on the Ground

As much as possible, individuals with reduced mobility should avoid climbing on benches or chairs. Provide small two-step stepladders with bars, or better yet, a grabber tool, so the person can safely retrieve objects at a height.

7. Don’t Forget Smart Security

Seniors are often the target of criminal or swindlers who want their money. Inside the home, install a safe that attaches to the floor or wall where the elderly person can keep valuable items and important papers. In addition, buy a shredder and show them how to destroy nonessential documents that contain their personal information, such as credit card applications.

You should also regularly discuss email and phone phishing scams and identity fraud with them. If the senior has a smartphone, a computer and is active on social media, they should be taught how to use simple apps to store passwords and online data.

If your aging loved one does not live under your roof, you may also want to install a camera security system to remotely monitor their condition, as needed.

RE/MAX Québec

By RE/MAX Québec

By RE/MAX Québec

A leader in the real estate industry since 1982, the RE/MAX network brings together the most efficient brokers.