How To Make Your Home More Accessible: A Guide

Making a home more accessible for seniors is far easier than you may think.  As the world’s aging population continues to grow, it’s important that we make our homes more senior-friendly and accessible for those with mobility issues. People of all ages should be able to move around easily and feel comfortable in their own homes; however, this can become difficult as one becomes older or faces physical limitations.

Fortunately, with just a few simple modifications your home can become much safer and more practical for elderly family members or guests – providing them with an enhanced sense of security and peace of mind when within the comfort of their own living space.

In our guide today we will cover exactly how you can upgrade your home to provide greater accessibility for seniors – from simply rearranging furniture layouts to installing specialized features like wheelchair lifts and grab rails!

Install a home elevator

A home elevator is a great option for individuals who have trouble climbing stairs. It’s an effective way to make multiple levels of your home more accessible, and much easier to move between them. The people behind StiltzLifts note that a home elevator is a safe, practical, and hassle-free solution for improving the mobility of seniors within their own homes.

With a home elevator, seniors are able to move between floors without the worry of having to climb up or down stairs.

Install grab bars and non-slip mats in wet areas to prevent falls 

Preventing falls is crucial, especially in areas prone to moisture. Installing grab bars and non-slip mats can make a significant difference in reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. Bathrooms, kitchens, and other wet areas are notorious for providing a less-than-stable surface to walk on, especially for older adults or those with mobility issues.

Grab bars offer additional support and help maintain balance, which can be particularly beneficial when stepping into a bathtub or shower. Meanwhile, non-slip mats offer a firm grip and provide an extra layer of safety when standing on a potentially slippery surface. By investing in these simple yet effective safety measures, you can help prevent unnecessary falls and keep yourself and your family safe.

Install lever door handles instead of knobs 

Are you finding yourself struggling with door knobs? If so, installing lever handles is the way to go. Rather than turning a knob, levers make it easier to open doors by providing extra support for the wrist and arm.

According to ADM Architectural Hardware, these types of handles are especially helpful for seniors or those with physical limitations – they provide more leverage when opening doors and require less strength for the user. 

Replace carpets with wood finishes or low-pile carpets for better traction 

Flooring can be a significant factor in making a space more accessible and safer. One trend in recent years has been replacing carpets with wood finishes or low-pile carpets for better traction. Whether you live in a high-traffic or low-traffic area, slip-and-fall accidents can be disastrous.

Wooden floors not only look great, but they also offer a more textured surface, making it less likely for someone to slip and fall. If you prefer carpet, low-pile varieties offer the comfort of a soft floor covering without the higher risk of tripping. No matter which option you choose, a change in flooring can improve the functionality of your home and prevent accidents.

Utilize brightly colored surfaces and contrasts

As we age, our eyesight often declines, making it more difficult to distinguish between colors and contrasts. It can be frustrating and isolating, but there are solutions available.

By utilizing bright colors and contrasts on surfaces, we can create a more visually stimulating environment for seniors with vision issues. This not only enhances their overall experience but can also improve their sense of independence and confidence.

Whether it’s painting walls in bold colors or adding bright tape to handrails, these simple accommodations can make a world of difference for those with visual impairments. By taking this small step, we can help create a more inclusive community for seniors and help them retain their sense of dignity and autonomy.

All in all, making a home safe for seniors requires significant thought and effort, but it doesn’t have to be an impossible task. Minor changes like installing grab bars, widening pathways and doorways, and adding ramps can make a house accessible for older folks without breaking the bank.

It can be hard to foresee every possible scenario in advance, however familiarizing yourself with the most common safety issues faced by seniors is a great first step. As always, if you can’t do the work yourself or simply don’t have the time, online resources can connect you with reputable contractors who are experienced in making homes safer for seniors. Everyone deserves a safe home they can trust – so don’t settle for anything less!