We think of our homes as one of the safest places we can be, but there are dangers in the home that can be a hazard to senior citizens (adults aged 65 and older) and people who are experiencing mobility issues.
However, sometimes the upgrades that have to be made to these homes aren’t always the most trendy.
Here are three ways that you can create a stylish home that’s still elder-friendly.
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#1: Flooring Changes
About one out of every four senior citizens experience a fall, according to the CDC, and many of these falls occur in the bathroom, although they can occur in any room of the home.
Bathrooms are the prime location for falls because ceramic flooring is one of the hardest and slipperiest flooring types. Other types of flooring can also be dangerous for seniors, as they can contribute to a fall.
Falls for seniors can range in severity, with some leading to bruises and other leading to broken bones and even death. Here are some of the best flooring types for senior citizens to have in their homes.
2. Carpet
Carpet may not be the trendiest flooring these days, but it’s still used in many homes— particularly in low-traffic areas since carpet tends to hold a lot of dust and debris.
It’s also the softest type of flooring, which is ideal for senior citizens. However, a high-pile carpet can be a hazard for senior citizens because it snags on wheelchairs and walkers, and it’s also easier to trip over.
The carpet pile shouldn’t be more than half an inch thick to ensure safety.
3. Cork
Cork flooring is rising in popularity, mostly because it’s eco-friendly. Although it’s not as soft as carpet, it’s softer than many other types of non-carpet flooring, such as linoleum and hardwood.
Just keep in mind that like carpet, cork isn’t water-resistant, so this shouldn’t be installed in the bathroom or the kitchen.
4. Vinyl
Vinyl flooring isn’t as soft as cork— and it’s definitely not as soft as a carpet— but it isn’t as hard as ceramic or stone flooring. It’s also water-resistant, making it the perfect flooring for kitchens and bathrooms. However, vinyl flooring can be installed over some types of soft flooring (not carpet) to give it some extra cushion underneath.
#2: Bathroom Renovations
As mentioned above, ceramic/tile flooring should be replaced with vinyl in the bathrooms of senior citizens because it’s one of the hardest types of flooring material.
But bathroom flooring isn’t the only thing that poses a hazard to senior citizens. The bathroom is also the slipperiest place in the home because of the nature of this room, so slip-resistant strips can help prevent this.
It can also be helpful to switch from a traditional bathtub/shower to a walk-in bathtub or walk-in shower.
Walk-in showers are seen as more sophisticated, and they’re still safe for older adults, especially when slip-resistant strips are used. It’s also easier to place handles and a shower chair in a walk-in shower.
#3: Additional Upgrades and Tips
1. Clear Paths
Another way to prevent trips slips, and falls in senior citizens is to make sure that there’s always a clear path for walking around the home.
Keeping your floors clear of clutter is also a great way to keep your home looking stylish.
2. Lighting
As we age, our vision isn’t as clear as it once was. Even with glasses and other types of sight correction, dim lighting makes it harder for the elderly to see, thus increasing the risk of a fall.
Make sure all lights are working properly, and switch to daytime LED light bulbs.
These types of bulbs provide the brightest light, resembling natural lighting, and they’re also more energy-efficient.
Residential Elevator
Stairs in multi-level homes can also present a hazard to senior citizens, and many senior citizens stop going to the upper levels of their homes to prevent an accident.
This may not be the best solution, as neglecting parts of your home is never a good thing.
Instead, look into a residential elevator. Today, home elevators are sleek and trendy-looking, making them a perfect touch of luxury in any home.
You don’t have to wait until you’re a senior citizen or experiencing mobility issues to make these changes to your home.
These are considered “universal” home upgrades, meaning that these changes are desirable by those looking to buy a home.
This is because having these changes before you age makes it easier to age in place, instead of having to move into a retirement home.
