Make your Apartment Friendly for Senior Family Members

Senior friendly environment in your apartment helps your elder parents or relative to move in and around the room safely.  If you are planning to design your interior senior friendly for helping your elder parents or relatives, here are some design tips.

Have Clear Pathway

Do not place things in pathway whether your furniture or small things like plants, magazine racks or area rugs. Remove anything that makes clutter a pathway and if your parents are wheelchair or walker, keep the room more spacious. Remember to keep a distance of at least 36 inches between objects.

Choose Firms Cushions and Sturdy Arm Chair

Low seated furniture are not recommended for elder parents. It can cause problem in sitting and getting up. It is recommended to provide firm cushions and sturdy arm chairs or furniture.

Have Sufficient Lighting

Provide sufficient lighting for your elder parents to perform their favorite activities such as reading, knitting or watching TV. It is recommended to have switches than using extension cord. It is better to have wall switches which can light the room before entering room. Place switches at a height where stretching and bending to reach them is minimal.

Storage Spaces at Lower Heights

Most of the accidents occur when elders try to reach things which are at height or lose balance when handling them. Provide ample storage space and at minimal height. While choosing a dresser, look for handle that look like cabinet handles.

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Respect their personal treasures

While designing the indoor of your apartment, respect the personal treasures of seniors such as old photos, personal items, furniture. Their bedroom is the only personal space where they can go for to catch their quiet time. Respect their items and personal treasures. Provide one corner of the room for their personal things or belongings.

Comfortable chair for dining

Your parents may not be comfortable with all furniture. If your parents have any difficulty in controlling their body posture, choose chair which support their body posture. Adequate cushion that securely fitted to chair is advantage. Provide dining table that is positioned at proper height.

Safety in Bathroom

Grab bar is recommended near bath tub and shower which helps to control when slipping down. Use non-slip strips or bath mat with non-skid bottom. Check the bath mat whether it is time to replace them. Avoid electronic accessories and remember to unplug appliances after use. Arrange towel holder at a height which can be reached while sitting in tub. Recommend to use shower curtains in bathrooms without tub.

Comfortable at Kitchen

Design kitchen where elders can work comfortably by sitting such as chopping, sliding, mixing etc. Keep kitchen utilities at easy reach and avoid stepping on chair for getting them. Keep a fire extinguisher in kitchen and explain how to use when required.

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