Designing a home for seniors requires deep and serious thinking. As years wear on, there are things that will no longer be managed as years earlier. Therefore, a properly designed home can adequately enhance the quality of life of the senior citizen. It may even reduce the risk of accidents. In this blog, we will share with you some practical tips to create a comfortable and safe home for seniors. These suggestions are all about functionality, safety, and ease of use.
1. Prioritise Safety in Every Room
Safety should always be a number one priority in any senior living space. Therefore, ensure that the rooms are free from hazards. Install non-slip flooring in areas like the bathroom and kitchen. Add grab bars near toilets and showers. These additions reduce the risk of falls. Moreover, clear any clutter to avoid trips and stumbles. You may also want to consider hiring the best interior design and fit-out contractor to make an environment safe for the senior.
2. Improve Lighting Throughout the Home
Seniors usually have poor eyesight, so proper lighting becomes necessary. Ensure that all rooms are well-lit, especially corridors and stairways. Consider also putting in motion-sensing lights in strategic places. These types of lighting automatically turn on upon detecting motion. This would surely help them move around easily, especially at night without having to search for the switches. Install task lights in areas where activities related to reading or cooking are performed. Bright and even lighting can prevent accidents and also create a comfortable atmosphere.
3. Design for Easy Accessibility
The designing of a senior-friendly home involves making everything accessible. Therefore, it is recommended that cabinets, switches, and appliances are installed at heights that are accessible. Besides, putting items in high cabinets or low drawers should be avoided wherever possible. Lever handles on the doors and faucets are easy to handle compared to other traditional knobs for the seniors. A good villa maintenance work in Dubai can offer such modifications. They ensure that homes designated for seniors are equally functional and safe.
4. Choose Comfortable and Supportive Furniture
The thing to keep in mind most, while selecting furniture for elderly people, is the comfort factor. A chair and sofa should be such that they can provide excellent back and neck support, and the cushions should be firm enough to provide extra support. Very low, soft sofas are a complete no because getting up from these couches can be very painful. The recliners available with footrests and adjustable positions are extremely comfortable. However, care must be taken that such furniture is quite stable and will never topple over.
5. Create an Open Floor Plan
The open floor plan allows easy access and movement around the place for any senior. Moreover, it avoids congestion, hence providing a smooth transition from one room to another. Wide doorways and hallways are very convenient for seniors, especially in the case of those dependent on walkers or wheelchairs. It further removes superfluous walls and barriers, creating space and hence giving a feeling of freedom. This feature in design can be added to the beauty of the house, too. Consult top 10 fit out contractor in Dubai regarding an open layout.
6. Install Smart Home Features
Technology can greatly improve the lives of seniors. On offer are smart home conveniences like lights and thermostats. The convenience goes on to security in items like video doorbells, security systems, and so much more. Control can easily be done by voice through gadgets such as smart speakers. One can change lighting, temperature, and even music by speaking. With such innovation, seniors have a bit more independence and more comfort in life.
7. Incorporate Universal Design Principles
Universal design helps the functionality of houses for people in all stages of life. It centres on the ideas of accessibility and usability. In designing, one can include step-free entrances, wide doorways, and walk-in showers for seniors. Moreover, it is important to project into the future, building the house to prepare for the changes in the seniors’ capabilities. Principles of universal design lead to flexible living that adjusts for the changing stages in life.
8. Focus on Comfort and Personalization
Finally, the home should be cozy and reflect the identity of the occupant. Add accessories that describe the character and likings of the elderly person. Such comfort textiles as soft cushions, rugs, and curtains may add warmth to the place. Besides, colours should be selected in a way that they would bring a sense of calmness and ease. Soft, neutral tones could be used for a calming effect. Revealing family photos, artwork, and personal keepsakes will also provide a sense of belonging.
Conclusion
Planning a home for seniors requires a great deal of attention to every single detail, and therefore, needs some thoughtful and painstaking planning. The three important features of designing a home for seniors are the aspects of safety, comfort, and accessibility. It is always wise to work with the best interior design and fit-out contractor for an ideal blend of style and functionality in a home. Furthermore, proper utilisation of professional villa maintenance work in Dubai helps in improving the aspect of safety and comfort in homes. By integrating the above-mentioned tips, one may create a place where seniors can live comfortably and independently in a way that helps them to maintain some aspect of their independence. Partnering with any of the top 10 fit-out contractor in Dubai will mean an assurance of the best outcome when considering senior living.
Basic needs that any senior needs include having a house that is safe and friendly. This may enable them to enjoy their homes for years in comfort.