How to Care for Elderly at Home: 5 Senior-Friendly Design Features

As you age, some home design features become more important for your safety and comfort. If you have ageing parents or grandparents to care for, it's important to think about how you can make your home more senior-friendly. In other words, consider ways to make your home easier and safer to live in as your loved ones get older.

Most of us imagine installing grab bars in the bathroom and choosing slip-resistant floors. While those are certainly important modifications, there are many other tips to create a more comfortable and accessible home for seniors. This blog will list a few of the most important senior-friendly design features to look for when designing or remodelling your home. Keep these in mind for your next home improvement project!

Senior-friendly home features

1. Rethink your choice of mattress

As you focus on making your home senior-friendly, one thing to consider is the type of mattress you choose. Most people in their golden years need a good night's rest to maintain their health and well-being. It's thus important for elderly people to have a supportive and comfortable mattress to get the most out of their sleep. An uncomfortable mattress can otherwise lead to restless nights, aches and pains, and other health problems.

A memory foam mattress is often the best option because it conforms to the body’s contours, providing customised support and pressure relief. A high mattress can also make it easier for them to get in and out of bed. There are other factors to consider such as mattress firmness, cushioning and durability that can make a difference in their quality of life.

2. The same applies to chairs

As people age, it is common to experience issues with mobility. This may be due to a variety of factors such as joint pain, weakened muscles, or balance problems. For elderly individuals, it is important to take these limitations into account when choosing seating. Low chairs can be dangerous for those who have trouble getting up and down and can lead to falls and other injuries. Instead, opt for chairs with higher seats – whether it’s for the sofa or dining chairs.

3. Keep a well-lit home

A well-lit home is synonymous with safety. And for the elderly, it’s especially important to have ample lighting in all areas of your house. A dark home can be dangerous for seniors, leading to falls. With proper lighting, it can also help them stay independent longer by preventing problems with vision. There are more tips on fall prevention to ensure the safety of your loved ones at home. 

4. Make sure things are easily accessible

Making life easier for elderly relatives can also be as simple as ensuring that things they use often are within reach. This may involve rearranging furniture or placing commonly used items in specific locations without having to tiptoe to get them. By taking these small steps, you can help your loved ones maintain their independence while living at home.

5. Install digital door locks

Finally, you can also consider digital door lock installation to increase everyday convenience for seniors at home. A digital door lock is a type of lock that can be opened and closed automatically, using a smartphone or other unlocking methods. They are especially useful for elderly people who may have trouble opening traditional locks.

There are a variety of digital door locks that can be compatible with your HDB flat, condo or landed property. You can shop yours at Hoz and browse popular brands like Samsung, Kaadas and Schlage. Not only will digital door locks increase your home security significantly, but they will also give you peace of mind that your family elders can come in and out easily.