Home Remodeling for Elderly
Ageing brings with it many problems both physical and emotional. Physical impairments makes daily living tasks difficult, the simple chores become challenging exercises. Opting for an elderly care center is an emotional problem for many. The thought of leaving your home and living in a center is traumatic in itself. Remodeling of houses presents a solution for both these problems. Presently there are many customized options available which can make things accessible and are especially beneficial for those living alone.
The basic idea behind the remodeling is to ensure that all amenities required for a living are well within the approach of the elderly. As it becomes difficult for elderly to climb stairs up-down, it is preferable to have at least a bedroom, kitchen and bathroom on the ground floor.
The doors of the room should be approximately 3feet to 3.5 feet wide so that the elderly could easily move about through them, even when on wheelchair or walker. Elderly face difficulty in using rounded door knobs, replacing them with a lever-style doorknob would make things easier.
Bathroom:
In the bathroom motion-sensing taps could be used. Use bath and shower chairs, replace glass with curtain, install a shower without a ridge and have low side walls.
Bedroom:
It is a good idea to use furniture with rounded edges instead of corners. In the bedroom, the height of the bed should be low to make getting in and out of bed easy. Use rocker light switches, instead of the flip ones.
Kitchen:
The kitchen needs special attention; the cabinets should be placed at a proper height making them easy to access. Make sure the appliances are anti-scald type to reduce the risk of hot water burns. You can also use adjustable countertops and sliding drawers.
Proper lightening is very important throughout the house to avoid strain on eyes. The stairs should be wide and whenever possible try having a ramp for wheelchair bounds.
Not only are the elderly but young home owners are also opting for these remodeling solutions to save the expanses and problems of the future. Moreover, these remodeling solutions can make in-home stay for elderly easy and enjoyable, saving them from the emotional strain of living in a care center.
