4 Home Improvements to Support Independence In Later Life
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As we get older, sometimes our homes don’t suit our needs in quite the way they used to, and a house that was once perfect might need a few small adjustments to make everyday functions more accessible.
If you’re preparing a home for later life, there are plenty of modifications you can make to help yourself or your loved one feel more comfortable. These thoughtful improvements can help create a space that supports their independence whilst ensuring that their home remains their haven.
Stairs and hallways
Stairs can become one of the biggest obstacles to independent living for older people with reduced mobility.
A stairlift can provide a practical solution which helps someone with mobility issues continue to access the upstairs portion of their home. For many, this represents the difference between being able to continue living in their home, and having to leave.
Motion-activated lighting can also be a major help, lighting the route between the bedroom and bathroom, for instance, to prevent a fall.
Kitchen adaptations
For an aging person, tasks like reaching, bending, or standing for long periods of time in the kitchen may become difficult.
However, you can modify the kitchen without replacing the whole room. Frequently used cupboards and appliances can be positioned at a more accessible height, while pull-out drawers and shelving can make it easier to find items without having to reach into deep cupboards, or reach high places.
For those who struggle with fine motor skills, lever-style taps are also often easier to operate. Lime Kitchen has a specialised range designed for those who struggle with arthritis and other conditions which may make traditional taps harder to use.
The aim is not to create a specialist kitchen, but to modify the way the room is used for the benefit of the occupant.
Safer bathroom spaces
The bathroom is another space where changes may be required to support older residents. For instance, a fixed shower seat provides somewhere to sit while washing, so that you or your loved one can retain a crucial feature of independence in hygiene.
Alternatively, walk-in baths, such as those from Vidalux, prevents the need for climbing over the edge of a bathtub. These also tend to include a seat for comfortable washing and bathing.
Other features include non-slip flooring to prevent falls, while good lighting is important to help navigate the space.
Practical features
Accessible adaptations don’t mean that a person’s home should lose its character. Practical features can be incorporated whilst still considering design and decor.
For instance, when installing new lighting, specialist suspension wire such as that from Ormiston Wire can contribute to the overall aesthetic appearance of a home without compromising on functionality.
The same might be applied to outdoor features, such as level pathways, raised planters, and garden seating, which ensure these spaces remain safe and easy to enjoy.
Planning ahead for these changes can give you and your loved one peace of mind, helping them to adapt without making drastic or expensive changes, and allowing them to remain in their home for longer.
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