With many senior citizens opting to stay at home instead of entering assisted living or retirement facilities, the push for health and safety modifications has been swift. The industry for aging-in-place housing and design trends is quickly growing and evolving to give those in their golden years the opportunity for fulfillment in their own space. If your parent or loved one desires independence and the comforts of home, here are some current home trends for ensuring senior-friendly accommodations.
Internet Phone Service
Copper phone lines are outdated, and many states no longer require service providers to maintain them to a certain standard. You always want to be able to communicate with your senior family member, and a home phone for seniors using internet technology offers several advantages over traditional phone services.
Modifications for Fall Prevention
One of the scariest worries of aging-in-place is the risk of a potentially life-threatening fall. Thankfully, there are some home design modifications you can implement to mitigate these potentially life-threatening fall concern:
. Depending on your loved one’s current state of health and mobility, you may want to consider the following upgrades:
- bathroom safety bars
- stairway chair lift
- nonslip flooring
- entrance and exit ramps
Additionally, prevent unnecessary falls by removing area rugs, clutter and other trip hazards from the home.
Additional Lighting
Diminished eyesight is one of the pitfalls of aging. Therefore, it’s imperative to monitor and address visual impairment, especially in the home. If the lighting isn’t adequate, your senior loved one is at a higher risk of injury while performing daily tasks like cooking, taking medications or simply moving from room to room.
Home Health Aides
At some point, your aging family member will need some extra help throughout the day. If moving to an assisted living facility is still off the table, that’s okay! You can arrange for a home health aide to visit periodically and lend support to make everyday life a little bit easier. Whether it’s cooking, shopping or even some types of medical care, a home care specialist is an excellent option for ensuring a positive aging-in-place experience.
With technological advancements making it possible to remain independent into advanced age, it’s no wonder more and more seniors are opting to remain at home for as long as possible. Giving your loved ones the care, dignity and independence they desire is easier than ever before with coordinated efforts to make their homelife safe and happy.
