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5 Ways to Change Your Home for Old Age

Changing your home to be more age-friendly can be very beneficial. Your day-to-day tasks can be easier and safer when your home is designed to support you as an older adult. There are a lot of potential changes you can make. Here are five ways to change your home for old age.

  1. Install Assisted Living Equipment

As you age, moving around your home can become more difficult. However, installing equipment to help you navigate the house can make your day run more smoothly and safely. For example, you may want to install ramps at the entrances of your home to make entering and going more efficient. Installing ramps can make using a walker or wheelchair much more manageable.

If you live in a two-story home, you may consider installing a stairlift. A stairlift will help prevent any falls or slips, which can cause severe injuries. These injuries can be detrimental to your health and expensive to treat, so it’s good to take precautions to keep you safe and keep money in your pocket.

The same idea is true for bathrooms. It can be challenging to step into a tub as you grow older, so you may want to remove the tub altogether and replace it with a walk-in shower. Some people also install grab bars and a raised toilet seat to help make going to the restroom more accessible.

There are also small details to think consider. For example, lever-style doorknobs can be a lot easier for older adults to use compared to rounded doorknobs.

  1. Rearrange Objects and Furniture

Moving objects and furniture around can be a great way to prepare your home for old age. You want to make sure your most-used spaces are open and easy to navigate. Perhaps moving a couch closer to the wall or lowering your kitchen appliances to an easy-to-reach place would be beneficial.

You can also consider removing any large items that may cause you to trip or fall. For example, many people remove rugs from the floor to create moving around easier.

  1. Declutter Your Home

Another great way to prepare your home for old age is to conduct a deep cleaning. If you have a lot of clutter and unnecessary items taking up space in your home, you may want to get rid of anything you don’t need. A house full of unnecessary items can be a hazard where you could potentially end up in the hospital.

You can start by going through each room one by one. As you sift through all your things, it can be helpful to create keep, throw, and donate piles to maintain an organized process. Deep cleaning your home is also a great time to remove anything that may be hazardous. Some hazards can include rugs, broken items, unnecessary decorations, objects on the floor, and more.

  1. Install Medical Alert Systems

Having medical alert systems installed in your home can be a great safety net. If you fall or get stuck, having an alert system available can be potentially lifesaving, especially if you anticipate living alone.

There is a wide variety of systems to choose from, but you should find a system that includes a help button. Most help buttons can be worn around your wrist or as a necklace of sorts. Wearing a help button can be an accessible way to get the help you need quickly when necessary.

In more recent years, some alert systems can operate outside your home as well. For example, MobileHelp has a help button that you can use if you’re out and about in the community.

Additionally, some help buttons are waterproof so that you can wear them in the shower. Others are voice-activated, so even if you’re unable to move physically, you can still use your voice to get the assistance you need. The bottom line here is to do some research to see which alert system is right for you.

  1. Change Your Room Layout

It’s important to have easy access to the rooms you use the most. For instance, some people spend the most time in their bedroom. Others may use their study more often. Whatever the case may be, you’ll want to make sure you can navigate between these rooms easily.

Changing the layout of your rooms can be especially important if you live in a two-story home. For example, if your bedroom is on the second floor, you may consider using a first-floor room as your bedroom instead.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your home ahead of time for old age can be a great way to transition into your golden years smoothly and safely. Take some time to walk through your home to see what changes will benefit you the most. Even the most minor changes can go a long way!

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