The 3 Best Changes To Make To Your House When You’re Elderly

As we age, there are more and more challenges to face. The body slows down and health becomes a concern. Things we used to be able to do are now not an option. It’s important to make some adjustments so that life can be lived on our own terms. The first area to be modified should be the house. 

Your house is the biggest barrier to living independently when you start to age and the injuries mount. By making some changes to the house itself, you are less likely to have problems. This way, you can live at home and when you need help can call the La Jolla Nurses home care.  In this article, we will go over some of the best modifications to make to your house.

1 - Upgrade the bathroom

The bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms in the house for a person with mobility issues. Since there is often water around to slip on it can spell disaster. Also, moving around the space in a tub or on a toilet can be problematic since it requires dexterity that’s in short supply. 

The first thing to do is to change the type of tub you already have. Substitute it with one that has high sides and a door so you can open it and walk right into it. These new versions are generally also built with a seat as part of the design so you can sit while washing yourself. 

A bidet for the elderly and disabled is also something that will prevent some accidents. Since using the toilet is complicated this will eliminate a lot of twisting and turning since it uses a jet of water to wash up making it a hands-free experience. This eliminates the need to twist around to clean up and avoids a potential fall onto the floor. 

Since maintaining hygiene is one of the biggest challenges that seniors face, upgrading the bathroom should be a priority.

​2 - Open up the rooms

Over the years, a lot of things get accumulated and the house starts to feel cluttered. If you need to use a walker to get around then all of this stuff is going to get in the way. Furniture should be limited so that you have room to pass through. Think of the space as having roads and intersections so you can have a clear path to get from one room to the next. 

Make an assessment of the furniture you use a lot and the rest that’s just in the way. The stuff that is there for decoration can be given away or even sold for some extra money. 

3 - Use technology

​Having a chair that lifts you up so you are at a standing position will reduce the chances of a back injury or a fall. They use motors so they are more high tech than your average chair. Automatic garage door openers should also be installed so you are never trapped without the use of a car.