How to Design a Senior Living Apartment
If mom or dad is considering a move from a larger home to an apartment to continue independent living, you can make that change both safe and affordable. With a few easy updates, a standard apartment can be made safer and more habitable for senior loved ones. There are two specific areas which can easily be addressed in a senior's home: lighting and slip prevention. Addressing these areas will prevent falls, a common cause of injury in seniors.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Rocker light switches for each room
- Nightlights for each room
- Heavy duty double sided tape for rugs
- Reflective non stick tape for non-carpeted stairs
- Lever handles for all doors
- Handrails for installation on both sides of all staircases
- Halogen light bulbs for all overhead lighting fixtures and lamps
- Adjustable rods and shelves for closets
- Stick- up lights for closet interiors
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Easy Steps for Safer Living
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1
Replace low watt bulbs with brighter halogen bulbs in all overhead fixtures and lamps.
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2
Install lighting in closet areas. If wiring or outlets do not exist, you can buy "stick-up" battery operated lights at your local home improvement store.
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3
Replace standard light switches with "rocker" light switches, which are larger and easier to turn on.
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4
Install adjustable shelves and rods in closet areas.
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5
Place reflective, non-slip tape on the edges of all steps and stairs.
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6
Place double-sided heavy duty tape on the backs of all throw rugs and area rugs.
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1
Tips & Warnings
In addition to brightening the space and insuring against trips and falls, you might also wish to consider moving everyday items to shelves that are within reach. Seniors with arthritis pain will appreciate the installation of lever handles on doors, an automatic can-opener and a jar opener that fastens beneath a kitchen cabinet.
For some seniors, remaining in their own homes is a health risk. Contact a doctor to find out if living independently is the right decision for your loved one.
