How To Make Your Home More Accessible for Elderly Parents

Updated on January 6, 2022
How To Make Your Home More Accessible for Elderly Parents

Late-term care for seniors has become a booming industry. Many families opt for professional help for their loved ones, and this can involve nursing homes and assisted living facilities. However, others choose to take over care responsibilities by moving their family members into their houses to age in place.

At-home care comes with many benefits, but it’s important to do some prep work so that everyone stays healthy. Learn how to make your home more accessible for elderly parents so they can age safely and comfortably.

Clear Out Space

The first thing you’ll need to do is clear out space. Having their own room in your home will help your parents maintain a level of independence that is vital to their mental well-being. In addition, you’ll also want to rearrange furniture and pick up any clutter to give your senior family members clear pathways free of any tripping hazards.

Keep It Light

One essential step to making your home more accessible for your elderly parents is to focus on lighting. Your aging family members may face vision loss, so keeping the environment bright is vital to their overall safety. Install strip lights on baseboards to keep hallways lit and put motion-sensor lights on ramps and entryways. Sufficient lighting will reduce their chances of falling or bumping into things that may cause injury.

Update the Bathroom

Water from sinks, bathtubs, and showers poses slipping hazards that jeopardize your loved one’s health. Make sure to mount grab bars near toilets and showers and use nonslip mats in bathtubs to help with balance. You can even build a roll-in shower with a wide entryway to accommodate wheelchair users.

Make Mobility Modifications

If you’re housing your senior parents, they likely have mobility restrictions that make living on their own challenging. Make your home work for them by investing in mobility equipment to make getting around easier. Widen your doorways and add ramps to accommodate your loved one’s wheelchairs and walkers. You can also consider installing stair and platform lifts to help them move around your home’s various rooms and floors.

Moving your aging parents into your home is an adjustment for everyone. Make the transition easier on yourself and your loved ones by preparing for their arrival ahead of time. Your family members will appreciate your efforts to help them age peacefully from a comfortable and familiar environment.

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