Most Australians prefer to live in their homes for as long as possible. Yes, this includes ageing in place and living independently rather than moving into an aged care facility. Most of them would rather arrange for home care in Adelaide than move out of their homes. This is especially true if your house is where you feel the safest and most secure. You need to make changes, however, to accommodate your needs. Don’t worry, not all renovations to make your home retirement ready are expensive.
Remove Rugs and Carpets If Possible
Rugs and carpets can be tripping hazards, especially when they have curled edges and are loose or unsecured. Rugs are more hazardous than carpets, however. You might want to get rid of them entirely. If a carpet is necessary, make sure they are secure without any damage. Eliminate all the possibility of fall injuries, so you can age in place without worries.
Enhance Lighting
It’s not enough that your home is adequately lit, with little to no dark or dim areas. It should also have more natural light coming in so you can see better during daylight. Natural light can also help boost your mood, which is helpful during the winter months. On that note, switch to drapes with lighter or brighter colours. If you need a blackout curtain, use it only where needed. When possible, you can also add more windows or a skylight. This can be a costly update, however.
You should also switch to energy-efficient LED bulbs with brighter output. To enhance your safety at night, install lights with motion sensors along the hallways or paths leading to different areas of your home. Adding motion sensor light strips under your bed rail is also recommended. It’ll be easier to locate your bed without turning on all the lights.
Add Grab Bars in the Bathroom
A lot of accidents can happen in the bathroom, something a senior must avoid as much as possible. Having grab bars installed professionally in the shower, next to the toilet, and near the bathtub will enhance a bathroom’s safety. Avoid using suction grab bars, as they could loosen with enough force. To ensure the bars are placed according to your needs, consider consulting with an occupational therapist regarding their placement.
Add Furniture Risers
There will come a time when getting in or out of bed or furniture becomes more difficult. If you struggle to get up from the couch, for example, raise it by adding risers. You can do the same with your chair or bed.
Improve Accessibility
If your home has an open floor plan, you won’t have to do much in terms of clearing pathways so you can easily move from one location to another. Otherwise, you’ll have to remove anything that’s in the way. Rearrange the furniture to create a clear path. Get rid of items that are taking up space but are not in use. Declutter to make your home open and easily accessible.
Do More When Possible
If you have the budget, make major changes to your home instead of just small ones. For instance, renovate the bathroom to add or build a walk-in shower with built-in seat. You may have to remove the bathtub if you have one and widen doorways for wheelchair access. If you have a front-load washer, you may need to place it on a pedestal for easier access.
Ageing in place is much easier if your home is ready to accommodate your needs. As simple as securing carpets and adding motion sensor lights will make your home liveable for elderly. With the updates done, you can then check out self-management home care packages from Homecare My Way. Find out what services will align to your specific care needs.