Opt for single story accommodation - The ideal senior-friendly abode should be a single-story accommodation unit. For example, a bungalow is perfect.
Heading 2
Heading 2
Heading 2
Ramp it up - If possible, create a flush-entry with ramps. This, of course, makes perfect sense if the householder is wheelchair-bound.
Heading 2
Heading 2
Heading 2
Heading 3
Take time out - A bench placed near the front or back door is a good idea, and allows the tired and elderly to relax.
Heading 2
Heading 2
Heading 2
Fill in the cracks - Access to accommodation needs to be smooth and level. Repave and reconstruct approaches—paths, driveways, etc.—where necessary.
Heading 2
Heading 2
Heading 2
Heading 3
Get a grip - It's a good idea to add non-slip flooring in the entry way inside the home.
Heading 2
Heading 2
Heading 2
Be alarmed! - Make sure the home is fitted throughout with smoke/fire alarms. They are designed to save lives, young and old!
Heading 2
Heading 2
Heading 2
Appropriate flooring - Appropriate flooring in the kitchen and elsewhere in the house is a top priority. Choose a non-glare covering for the kitchen—cork tiling is ideal!
Heading 2
Heading 2
Heading 2
Time to upgrade the kitchen - Create a functional kitchen. The objective is to increase accessibility and prevent bending or crouching.
Heading 2
Heading 2
Heading 2
Round it off - To avoid nasty bumps or bruises, counters and worktops should have rounded or squared edges.
Heading 2
Heading 2
Heading 2
Sink hole - Opt for a shallow sink bowl. Rinsing vegetables and washing up is far easier in a sink that isn't too deep.
Heading 2
Heading 2
Heading 2
Safer cooking - Choose a stove with continuous grates (for gas) or a flat surface (hob) so that pots and pans can be removed off the burner without lifting.
Heading 2
Heading 2
Heading 2
Don't go around the bend - You should always be able to reach the washing machine without bending. The same applies to the dryer.
Heading 2
Heading 2
Heading 2
Secure the bathroom - Many slips and falls occur in and around the bathroom and shower area, so it's a good idea to fit slip-prevention flooring throughout these zones.
Heading 2
Heading 2
Heading 2
Take a seat - Help facilitate shower or bath time by adding a fold-down seat or bench in the tub or shower.
Heading 2
Heading 2
Heading 2
Fit grab bars - Well placed grab bars in the shower, tub, and next to the toilet can help prevent falls.
Heading 2
Heading 2
Heading 2
Seating arrangements - A raised toilet seat is very useful for seniors who have difficulty sitting on a standard toilet seat.