How to Make a Home More Accessible for the Elderly

How to Make a Home More Accessible for the Elderly

When it comes to senior citizens, many of them will always appreciate the extra effort that is put in place in order to create a more accessible home for them. In fact, it is actually very important to help make a home more accessible for the elderly. So, with that being said, what are a few simple ways to create this more accessible space? Continue reading to find out more.

Consider Installing Ramps

The first thing that is important to consider when trying to make a home that much more accessible to the elderly is installing ramps. This is simply due to the fact that a large variety of these older adults tend to use wheelchairs as they are less equipped on their feet at this time. Therefore, installing ramps for them to use while sitting in a wheelchair is a must. Not only will this help them get into the house in an easier manner, but it will also make them appreciate the thought and consideration for their circumstances. Therefore, it would be best to get started on this first solution as soon as possible in order to make things easier on everyone.

Modifying Showers and Bathtubs

Modifying the bathroom for the elderly often gets overlooked. However, this is by no means a less important modification. Seniors should be able to safely use their bathtub, whether this requires assistance or not, this will simply make things easier on them as well as the person who is assisting them – if they are in fact needed in this case. Therefore, in these situations it would be crucial to consider replacing a traditional bathtub in your home with a walk-in bathtub instead. In addition to this, you can also consider removing the bathtub all together and simply replacing it with a walk-in shower.

Medical Alert Systems

What exactly is a medical alert system? They are more commonly referred to as life alert systems. What these life alert systems do is provide the senior citizen with different forms of remote assistance. This assistance can be anything from dialing from a pre-set list of trusted contacts of the individual or connecting them to call centers as needed. With that being said, below is a list of the top 5 best medical alert systems that should be considered when you are modifying a home for the elderly.

CallToU Wireless Caregiver Pager Smart Call system

This full-house system comes out to just $50

Mace Brand Alert 911

This medical alert system is a one-touch button that connects you to 911 as needed. This specific device comes out to just $86

Help Dialer 700 Emergency Alert Dialer

In addition to being pacemaker safe, this alert system comes out to just $99

InnoGear Caregiver Pager with Two Call Buttons

This specific medical alert system is listed for just $21

PushPoint Eco2 Expandable Wireless Doorbell

This affordable option is great for someone who doesn’t want to invest in additional expenses like batteries- this portable alarm system works off of kinetic energy and comes out to only $10

Installing Hoyer Lifts

Hoyer lifts are used to provide assistance in getting up from either a bed or a bathtub. These devices typically stay in one place and are meant to help pull the person in need of assistance to a standing position.

Widen Doorways

Going back to wheelchairs, a widened doorway would certainly make it easier for a senior citizen to get through easier and is a must-have modification by all means.

Of course, there are plenty of ways to help create more adaptable home solutions for the elderly. However, these top 5 modifications are certainly a great place to begin. For more information, visit Adabtable Home Solutions today.