How to better prepare your house for older relatives

How to better prepare your house for older relatives

Bringing home an older relative can be a very fulfilling experience for both of you. Not only is it a way to show respect and care for aging family members, but it also allows them to get the attention and help they need to live a comfortable life.

However, preparing a house for older relatives can be a daunting task. It is very important to ensure that their living environment is safe and comfortable. Here are some tips to help you better prepare your home for your aging relative.

Photo by Beth Macdonald on Unsplash

1. Assess any potential hazards in your home

Watch out for items like loose carpet, electrical wiring, and uneven surfaces. These can all put your elderly relatives at risk for falls or other accidents. Consider removing or securing these items if they present a hazard. The key here is to make sure there is the smallest obstacle that could cause harm.

So try to keep your living space clean and organized without clutter. When it comes to safety, prevention is always better than cure.

2. Make the residence easier to reach by elevator or ramp

As your older relatives age, they may start to have mobility issues. As the folks at Stiltz Lifts suggest, to make their lives easier, consider installing assistive equipment, such as lifts or ramps. These can be used to gain access to areas of the house that may be difficult to reach on their own.

That said, whether you decide on a stylish and functional stair lift, or find other options, your older relatives are sure to appreciate the extra help. The ability to move freely around the house will give them greater independence.

3. Make sure your home has plenty of natural light

Natural light is important for older adults because it helps them stay alert and energized throughout the day. To maximize natural light in your home, consider installing larger windows or skylights.

There are also various bulb technologies that can mimic natural sunlight. One of them is LED lighting, which simulates the effect of natural light without opening any windows. Having an abundance of natural light in your home will help your older relative feel more comfortable and alive.

4. Provide Comfortable Furniture

Comfortable furniture is essential for your elderly relatives as it allows them to relax and get the rest they need. Look for furniture items with support pads and adjustable heights so they can easily get in and out of a chair or bed without putting too much pressure on their bodies.

Furniture should also be placed close to the door of the home so they don’t have to travel far to get it. If you have a garden at home, make sure it is also equipped with comfortable outdoor furniture.

5. Consider installing assistive technology

Assistive technology such as voice-activated lights and automatic doors may be useful for older relatives. This technique allows them to easily access different parts of the home and remain independent despite any physical limitations they may have. Investing in these types of equipment is an investment in the comfort and safety of your relative.

Not only will this make your home more comfortable and secure, but it will give you peace of mind knowing that your elderly relative is well cared for.

6. Make sure all essentials are within reach

It is important to ensure that all essentials for elderly relatives, such as their medications and personal care products, are within easy reach. If these items are stored in drawers or cabinets that require bending over or reaching, consider installing pull-out shelves so they can access them without straining themselves.

The goal here is to make sure they can easily get what they need without struggling. Check regularly that all essentials are within reach.

7. Find ways to make home more enjoyable

It’s important to make sure older relatives feel comfortable in their new home. Consider decorating with warm, inviting colors and displaying family photos or artwork they can admire.

Incorporate natural elements into the space, bring plants inside, or add a bird feeder outside the window so they can enjoy bird watching.

Including activities your older relative enjoys can further make them feel at home. For example, set up a small library and have them read a favorite book or play a board game together.

Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels

These are just a few tips to help you prepare your home for your elderly relative. Remember that being prepared and making the right changes can play an important role in providing them with a safe and comfortable living environment. With a little preparation and planning, you can make sure your elderly relative is well cared for at home.

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