The Northern Star Magazine Online

Mind Blowing Stuff To Read
Menu
  • Home
  • Humor
  • WTF
  • Animals
  • Ron’s Rambles
  • Games/Sports
  • Will’s Thoughts
  • Beauty
  • Inspirational
  • Misc
  • Entertainment
  • Val’s Life Views
  • True or False
  • Lifestyles
  • Tech
  • Health
Home
General
15+ Home Renovation Tips For An Elderly Friendly Home

15+ Home Renovation Tips For An Elderly Friendly Home

renovating home for elderly
by: April Talens

Consider The Elderly When Renovating

Given a massive aging population, it makes personal and financial sense to consider the elderly when planning home renovation projects. Insuring that the changes made increase accessibility and mobility increase both personal safety and property value.

Having an elderly person in the house makes consideration of their needs essential for home renovation. Mobility issues, disorientation and decreased vision are all relevant factors to keep in mind. In this article, we’ll go through the items to consider while renovating your home to make it safer and more accessible for the elderly.

men installing large windows

Enough Light In All Rooms

A lack of adequate lighting is one factor that can compromise a home’s safety. Working areas such as the kitchen and library, among others, should be well-lit. As should stairwells and hallways. Increase natural light in the home by adding skylights and large windows. Sunlight is a valuable source of vitamin D, which benefits bone growth and strength and can help decrease depression among the elderly.

Liv Pure ad

Ways To Improve Lighting In Your Home:

  • Consider placing sun tunnels for the hallway.
  • Fanlights can help natural light flow in the doorway and release the heat trapped in the ceiling.
  • Opt for glass balusters for your stairwells to keep the steady flow of light. You can also install LED lights on the walls or steps.
  • For bathrooms or rooms at the far end of the house, skylights can help.
  • Ventilation is essential so factor window openings into designs, keeping in mind that when maximizing the use of natural light, glass doors and windows need to be well insulated.

Slip-Resistance

One home modification you may want to consider is making slipping and tripping points in the house slip and trip resistant. Here’s some suggestions:

  • Wet floors pose a danger for both elderly and the young. Choose non-slip floor tiles in specific areas like bathrooms and entryways. If you can’t afford costly renovations, purchase and use non-skid mats.
  • Install shower grab bars and/or handrails in bathrooms for support.
  • Choose door levers instead of knobs as twisting doorknobs can be arduous for some seniors.
  • You may want to switch to low-pile carpeting.
  • Handrails are a convenient addition on both sides of staircases, allowing the elderly to maintain a good grip while maneuvering up and down the stairs.

Secure Plugs And Electronics

Aging affects all senses, especially after age 60. One of those senses is the sense of balance. Removing as many slip and trip hazards as possible helps to prevent potentially catastrophic falls. Here are few suggestions for a more elderly friendly home:

  • Avoid the use extension cords by installing electrical outlets at convenient points.
  • Install user-friendly, rocker-type light switches and plug-ins for easy use by children and the elderly.
  • Install motion activated lights in hallways and restrooms.
  • Consider adding a hand-held shower head to avoid fatigue from standing too long in a fixed shower.
  • Install additional security measures such as loud doorbells, an intercom system with emergency buttons to call for help. Intercoms are an especially convenient addition to bathrooms in case of emergency.
  • Insure that all hallways and doorways are wheelchair accessible.
  • Consider reduced ability to reach items in cupboard and storage designs.
  • Insure that bathroom designs accommodate wheelchair use.
  • Add entry and exit ramps. These additions aren’t just beneficial for the elderly and mobility challenged, but also for parents pushing baby strollers and packing groceries into the house. For specific dimensions and standards, be sure to consult your local city bylaw office.
  • Switch single doors to bifold doors. They’re easier for the elderly using walkers and in wheelchairs to use.

seniors planning home renovations

Renovation = Preparation

Home renovation projects should always strive to improve the quality of life for everyone who lives in the home, especially the elderly. Remember, age only travels in one direction: upward. So, to make an efficient elderly-friendly home renovations, plan for the future – yours and your parents too.

Source: ArticlesFactory.com

Prev Article
Next Article

Related Articles

Random Thoughts Ron Murdock
Mental Wanderings And Random Thoughts | Part 14 By Ron …
Cathie

Mental Wanderings And Random Thoughts Part 14 | By Ron Murdock

Improve In Bed - Man Sleeping
We all know the many benefits of a good night’s …
Cathie

How To Improve In Bed

About The Author

William

Stand Beside or Stand Aside T-Shirt

Dang Woman!

DANG WOMAN! a hilarious guide to unsuccessfully outwitting a woman :-)small dang woman ad Available in paperback and E-book

Check Out These Great Stories Too!

  • Photobombed | The Book | By Beverly L. JenkinsPhotobombed | The Book | By Beverly L. Jenkins
  • A Chilling Way To Go | Promession Burial OptionA Chilling Way To Go | Promession Burial Option
  • Presenting The Enhanced Human Being | By Ron MurdockPresenting The Enhanced Human Being | By Ron Murdock
  • Why We LaughWhy We Laugh
  • Tent Caterpillars Invade Prince George | Our BackyardTent Caterpillars Invade Prince George | Our Backyard
  • Americans Kill More Americans Than Any Other CountryAmericans Kill More Americans Than Any Other Country
  • Will’s Thoughts | Holiday Lights On After Holidays Are OverWill’s Thoughts | Holiday Lights On After Holidays Are Over
  • Don’t Watch The News Much Anymore | Will’s ThoughtsDon’t Watch The News Much Anymore | Will’s Thoughts
  • Richard Mourdock Needs To Park His Bark | By Ron MurdockRichard Mourdock Needs To Park His Bark | By Ron Murdock
  • Random Jokes | Questions | Quotes | Part 5Random Jokes | Questions | Quotes | Part 5

You Might Also Like

  • Newest Sexual Revolution Is Bishaveuality
  • Dealing With Mind Viruses | By Ron Murdock
  • The Lottery | The Dark Side Of Human Nature
  • Japanese Hay Fever Hat Is A Fashion Sensation
  • Not Your Mothers Book On Being A Woman

The Northern Star Magazine Online

Mind Blowing Stuff To Read
Copyright © 2025 The Northern Star Magazine Online
Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy