By Lizzie Weakley
As we age, our bodies and minds change. Our home needs to keep up with those changes in order to ensure quality of life and safety as we reach our golden years. Making accessibility changes may seem daunting, but there are simple steps you can take now to prepare your home for when you reach 70. Read on to discover 5 accessibility changes that will make your home more suitable for old age.
Install a Walk-In Shower
The number one cause of injuries in the elderly is falls, so it’s important to reduce the risk of slipping or tripping in the bathroom. A walk-in shower eliminates the need to step over a bathtub ledge, which can be especially dangerous if mobility has become an issue later in life. Look for a shower with a low threshold and no curb so that entering and exiting is effortless and safe, like those from Midwest Bath Company.
Invest in Good Lighting
Dimly lit rooms can be hazardous for anyone, let alone seniors who may experience reduced vision or lack of night vision as they age. Investing in good lighting fixtures can help prevent falls and accidents around the house. Consider installing motion sensor lights outdoors as well as dimmers indoors that make it easy to adjust light levels throughout the day without having to fumble with switches when getting up at night.
Add Grab Bars
Installing grab bars near toilets, showers, bathtubs and staircases can give seniors added stability and support when moving around their homes or lifting themselves out of chairs or beds. Be sure to install grab bars that are made from stainless steel so they don’t rust or corrode over time due to moisture buildup from showers or baths.
Upgrade Appliances
It's time to start thinking about replacing outdated appliances with more energy efficient models that feature intuitive controls like touch screens instead of knobs and buttons which may be difficult for older people with dexterity issues to operate safely without assistance from others. A washing machine designed for elderly people should also have adjustable height settings so users can wash their clothes without having to bend down too far or strain their back muscles too much while loading laundry into the machine or taking it out afterwards.
Upgrade Flooring
Hardwood floors may look nice initially but they’re not great long-term solutions since they don’t provide any cushioning against falls or slips—something seniors should consider when choosing flooring materials for their homes after reaching 70 years old! Carpeting is usually a better option because it offers some cushioning effect if someone accidentally trips over something in their home environment; however, make sure that carpets are properly maintained by vacuuming regularly so dirt doesn’t accumulate between fibers.
Preparing your home for old age takes some pre-planning and thoughtfulness but it doesn't have to be an overwhelming task! By making these five simple accessibility changes before reaching 70 years old, you'll help ensure your safety at home as you continue living independently during your golden years! Being proactive about potential hazards will go a long way towards helping you stay safe as you get older - consider consulting with an occupational therapist if needed before making any major changes around your house!
Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball.
