5 tips to improve senior housing



Published on 21/06/2024.

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From the age of 65 onwards, accidents at home increase and pose a major health risk: 450,000 people experience falls each year. Most accidents occur because the home environment is not adapted to loss of autonomy. Therefore, it is necessary to redesign some spaces to make them safer for seniors. 

1/ Automate daily tasks :

Home automation is a simple and quick way to make daily tasks easier.

The installation time is short, and with clear explanations to the elderly, the usage is simple. Here are the things you can automate:

  • Installing electric shutters
  • Controlling lighting and heating remotely
  • Having ergonomic furniture: bed, sofa, toilets, ...


Many technologies exist today to make the lives of elderly individuals more enjoyable. To learn more, you can read how technology transforms the lives of elderly people ?.


2/ Prioritize showers over baths :

In the bathroom, a shower is a much safer option than a bathtub. You can install a grab bar, non-slip flooring, or even a wall-mounted seat. Accidents in bathrooms are most common among elderly individuals, so it is essential to properly outfit this area for safety.


3/ Install a handrail on the stairs :

In homes with stairs, it is essential to secure them. Installing a handrail or an automated seat will become essential if the person needs to go upstairs. However, arranging a bedroom on the ground floor remains the best solution for guaranteed safety.


4/ Redesign the kitchen :

Accidents at home in the kitchen account for 25% of falls among elderly people. Handling heavy and hot objects becomes very risky. Therefore, it is necessary to arrange your kitchen :

  • Placing the heaviest items in lower cabinets. 
  • Positioning the oven at mid-height for reduced risk.
  • Installing induction cooktops (no gas bottles to handle and lower risk of burns).

 

5/ Adapt the height of your furniture :

As people age, using objects close to the floor becomes very challenging for the elderly. Bending down is no longer straightforward and requires strength and good joints. To simplify seniors' lives, raising the height of everyday furniture is a good way to age more comfortably at home:

  • Raising the bed: Opt for a higher bed or a connected bed that can be adjusted with a remote control. Installing an adapted sofa: Comfort is paramount for sofas. 
  • Changing your toilet: Toilets are not just a daily necessity but crucial for seniors' independence. This aspect is highly significant in supporting their autonomy.
  • Installing a higher or ergonomic sofa can significantly improve the lives of independent individuals.


 

By following these tips, you can create a home environment that is safe, comfortable, and tailored to the needs of seniors, allowing them to live independently and peacefully. These adjustments also provide peace of mind for loved ones who may worry. It is possible to extend seniors' autonomy by ensuring they live better at home: easily and safely. To enhance this safety, telecare solutions are available, especially for independent elderly individuals living alone.

 

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