Is It Time to Move to a More Age-Friendly Home?

Whether you or a relative are getting older, you may be faced with a big decision. Is it time to choose a more age-friendly home to live in? This is a difficult decision, particularly if you always assumed that you’d continue living in the same home. However, there are some factors that may be better about getting a new home, or modifying your current place.

What Does an Age-Friendly Home Look Like?

An age-friendly home will provide you with everything you need as you get older. Ideally, it will be a single-storey place with no stairs leading to the front door and it will have lever door handles for easy opening. Usually, it’s best to have a small home as well, making it easier to maintain and clean.

You’ll want to avoid carpet, as it can be difficult to walk on. Smooth floors prevent tripping and are easier to care for. A mop is much easier to move around than a vacuum cleaner and is lighter to put away, as well.

All your appliances will also be designed for easy use and easy cleaning. This helps as you get older and your abilities are limited. If things are properly set up, you’ll be able to stay independent for far longer.

This also applies to outlets and switches, which should be located further up on the walls to make it simple to reach them without bending over. Light switches ought to be large and easy to push on or off, in case you have difficulties with your fingers and fine motor skills.

Should You Adapt Your Existing Home?

Another alternative to moving is simply adjusting your old home. If you truly love it and want to stay, why not make it more age-friendly? There are a few simple things you can do to help.

First, install a stairlift so that going up and down the stairs is no longer a concern. This immediately eliminates the worry about having issues on the stairs, which can be very dangerous. Since stairs are the biggest injury risk in the home, a stairlift makes it much safer to continue living there.

You can also change out the switches in your home to use wider switches. Consider adding lever door handles, as well, so you can open them even if arthritis is causing you pain. There are quite a few other options for adapting your existing home, so weigh the pros and cons carefully.

If you are considering staying in your home, let us help make it safer for you. Contact us today to learn more about installing a stairlift.