Just because something is safe doesn’t mean it
can’t look good, too. When you’re looking to create a stylish space for a
senior, or a family caring for an older adult with memory impairments, you must
consider their abilities as well as the people around them in your plan. Here
are a few tips on how to get it done.
Cater
to their wants with modified amenities
During your initial consultation, determine
what the people in the home prioritize. Does the senior enjoy cooking or gardening? Is he or she more interested in
reading or watching television? Once you know the senior’s interests, you’ll
have a better idea about what will lend best to his or her quality of life. You
might, for instance, design a wheelchair-accessible indoor
garden or outfit the kitchen with a microwave oven that is easy to
use with knobs instead of push buttons.
Go high
tech
Computers and electronics aren’t just for
gaming teens or busy executives. Today’s technology can be integrated in a
home’s design to keep seniors safe and extend at least some independence.
Alzheimers.net notes that picture phones, GPS tracking devices, and clocks made
specifically for dementia patients are valuable additions to a
senior’s home. Likewise, you might suggest installing smart plugs and devices
throughout the home so that seniors can control lights, radios, and televisions
with their voice, even from another room.
Ensure
everyone has a private space in which to retreat when needed
Most Alzheimer’s patients eventually require around-the-clock care. And
while this is a labor of love for most family members, they will not only need
a home that’s set up with their loved one’s needs in mind, but the caregiver
will also need a place of respite. Create one room where the caregivers can
walk away for a few moments to relax and recharge. Make this area a workspace
for paid care providers, too, such as nursing assistants and housekeepers, so
they can plan without interruptions or distractions.
Be minimalistic
The entire home should be safe and navigable, including the bathroom and
kitchen, where seniors are most likely to get hurt. Avoid area rugs and look for
flooring that doesn’t get slippery when wet. Design a living area without
low-lying furniture, such as coffee and end tables. Opt instead for a sofa or
sectional with built-in storage that eliminates the needs for these tripping
hazards.
Create
a space that emphasizes relaxation
For many seniors, a failure to effectively manage stress can make memory issues worse.
Look for ways to incorporate relaxation and exercise into their day by
establishing a wellness flow throughout the home. Keep books within reach, make
access to the outdoors easy, and add pieces of furniture that hide journals,
music, or art supplies they can reach when they want to take their mind off
their condition.
Make
organization a priority
As with all home design, keeping things
organized is the key to keeping things safe. Clutter is dangerous to a senior’s
physical and mental health. Use items that serve a dual purpose, such as a
slow-cooker and pressure cooker combination in the kitchen or electric
reclining furniture in the living room.
If you’re working with a family that may not
be able to afford every home alteration, you can help them find home-modification grants or alternative
solutions that will balance their wants, needs, and budget. Remember, the end
goal is to create an environment that provides both safety and serenity for
seniors. By customizing their home in a way that keeps them safe without sacrificing
their personal sense of style, you will help them hold on to the best years of
their life and enjoy those that are left.
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