Smart Modification Tips to Make Your Home Senior-Friendly

Providing a safe, comfortable environment for seniors, particularly dementia patients, is essential. As seniors age, they may lose mobility, memory, and vision, so making certain adaptations and modifications to their home can help increase their ability to age in place safely and independently. Simple modifications like better lighting for navigation, slip-resistant floors, or smart technology can reduce accidents and difficulties engaging in daily tasks.
Modifications also bring peace of mind to caregivers and other family members. If you are considering adapting your home for aging parents, this guide gives you some practical tips and ideas you can use to make your own home safe, secure, or adaptable for your upcoming physical and cognitive changes.

Incorporate Shades and Blinds

Light control is very important for older adults, especially people with vision issues or dementia patients, where shifting light levels can be disorienting. Automated shades and blinds are easy to operate and help provide comfort by managing brightness levels and the temperature in your space.
Select cordless or motorized shades to reduce the risk of a physical incident and to eliminate tripping over cords. Light-filtering shades can filter out the harsh glare of direct light while still allowing natural light to enter your space, which promotes alertness and mood. You can get a wide variety of options from Stoneside. 

• Install motorized blinds that have either a remote control or voice functionality.
• Use light-filtering materials to help reduce glare.
• Select blackout materials to promote sleep.
• Avoid using cords to help reduce the risk of accidents and confusion.

Use Slip-Resistant Flooring

Slippery flooring increases the risk of falls for older adults. Choose floor types that offer grip, like cork, rubber, and textured vinyl. Be sure to remove all loose rugs or secure them to the surface. 

• Use slip-resistant flooring in bathrooms and kitchens.
• Do not use thick rugs or securely tape them to the surface.
• Make uneven surfaces or thresholds to doors.
• Choose flooring that has a matte finish to minimize glare.

Install Grab Bars

For senior safety measures in areas like bathrooms, hallways, and entrances, grab bars are paramount. They serve as potential support for stability and mobility. Installing grab bars offers a feeling of stability and comfort. Make sure bars are textured, not slippery, and professionally installed into the studs as applicable. 

• Ensure there are grab bars next to the toilets, shower, bathtub, etc.
• Choose grab bars of contrasting colors to improve visibility.
• Choose both a vertical and horizontal grab bar location to provide better access.
• Check grab bars regularly to ensure they are secure.

Make Safety on the Stairs

Stairs pose some of the greatest risks for seniors. To ensure improved safety on stairs, consider proper lighting and motion-sensor fixtures. Additionally, handrails offer the greatest support when climbing stairs. For seniors with limited mobility, a stair lift can be a worthwhile investment. 

• Use motion-sensor lights for all stairways. 
• Add high-contrast tread markings to each step. 
• Fix any loose steps or stair railings. 
• Use two handrails as necessary to enhance stability when climbing or descending stairs.