Creating a safe and functional home for a senior loved one facing mobility challenges is essential for comfort and independence. By making adjustments to the home’s layout and features, it’s possible to significantly enhance accessibility and reduce risks of accidents or injuries. Below, we explore key areas to focus on when adapting a home for mobility needs.
Entryway Modifications
The first step to a more accessible home is ensuring entryways are easy to approach and use. Consider adding the following features to improve access:
- Ramps – Replace or supplement stairs with ramps. Choose a gradual slope for safety, and ensure handrails are installed for additional support.
- Widening doorways – Standard doorways may be too narrow for wheelchairs or walking aids to pass through comfortably. Widening doors to a minimum of 32 inches can solve this issue.
- Threshold ramps – For areas with small step-ups, such as door thresholds, adding threshold ramps can smooth transitions and prevent trips.
Bathroom Adjustments
Bathrooms are one of the most commonly redesigned areas in mobility-friendly homes due to the risk of slips and falls. Simple upgrades include:
- Walk-in showers or tubs – Replace traditional tub setups with walk-in designs that eliminate the need to step over barriers. Adding built-in seating and handheld showerheads ensures even greater accessibility.
- Grab bars – Install grab bars near toilets, showers, and bathtubs to provide stable points of support when transitioning between positions.
- Nonslip flooring – Use textured tiles or nonslip mats to reduce the risk of slipping.
A trained caregiver with experience in caring for seniors with mobility limitations can be a fantastic resource for family members. Senior home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
Kitchen Accessibility
Making the kitchen more navigable can empower your loved one to participate in meal preparation and daily activities with ease. Focus on the following:
- Adjustable countertops – Install height-adjustable countertops or create sections of counter space that are wheelchair friendly.
- Pull-out shelves – Replace fixed shelves in cabinets with pull-out trays to make items easier to reach.
- Accessible appliances – Select appliances with front controls or adaptive designs, such as side-hinged ovens or dishwashers with pull-out racks.
Some seniors need occasional assistance at home, and oftentimes the family members who take care of them need time away to run errands, take a nap, go to work, or take a vacation. Portland respite care experts from Assisting Hands Home Care are available on an as-needed basis, giving your family peace of mind that your loved one will remain safe and comfortable while you relax or focus on other important responsibilities.
Living Space Layout
Adapting common areas such as living rooms and bedrooms is key to enhancing day-to-day comfort. Suggestions include:
- Clear pathways – Arrange furniture to create wide, unobstructed walkways for wheelchairs or walkers. Aim for at least 36 inches of clearance.
- Low-pile carpeting or hard floors – Replace thick carpeting with low-pile options or hard floors, making it easier for mobility devices to move freely.
- Height adjustments – Adjust the placement of light switches, electrical outlets, and furniture to ensure they’re reachable for seated individuals.
Enhancing Safety & Convenience
Finally, technology and home modifications can further increase safety and convenience for individuals with mobility challenges:
- Smart home controls – Install smart devices like voice-activated lighting, thermostats, or door locks for easier daily operation.
- Stairlifts and elevators – For a home with multiple stories, consider adding a stairlift or small residential elevator to improve access without relocating to a single floor.
- Emergency alert systems – Equip the home with emergency alert systems so help is readily accessible during an accident or urgent situation.
There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional senior care. Portland families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place. Call Assisting Hands Home Care today to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.
