Joint families are usually the norm in our country. However, the elderly have special needs when it comes to daily life. A few tweaks to the furniture layout and some sensible architectural choices can ensure that your living environment is convenient for the older and less physically able persons in the family. Here are some practical tips to help you create a safe and comfortable home for your ageing relatives.

• Mind the traffic flow

Rearrange your living room layout to make space for the seniors to move around without knocking over or bumping into furniture. Opt for clean, clutter-free layouts that ensure comfortable thoroughfare.

• Go for higher beds, furniture

Low furniture can sometimes make it difficult for older people to get up and sit down independently. For them, a higher bed is essential. In the public areas too, if possible, go for furniture pieces that are at a standard height – so definitely no on-the-floor low-seating dining tables. For their bedroom, a good thumb rule is to look for a bed with a height such that the feet can just reach the floor when seated on the edge of the mattress. Take a cue from this image and bring in a thick mattress to add to the bed height

• Install grab bars and benches in bathrooms

A bathroom can be a very dangerous place, especially for senior citizens. Injuries getting on and off the toilet are quite high in people aged 65 and older. Grab bars are a must-have as they offer additional support to hold on to while sitting down or getting up. They can also double as a towel rail. 

Along with grab bars, benches can also be installed in the shower area. The combination of slippery soaps and wet floors can be a bad one: it’s safer for the seniors to take showers while seated, particularly when unassisted.

• Opt for slip-resistant floors

Wet areas in the bathroom are high-risk zones for the elderly. Consider installing anti-slip floors to make this area safer and minimize accidents. The inherently slip-resistant, pebble tiled floor displayed here can work well for this purpose.

If changing the flooring or installing a new one is not an option, consider laying down perforated anti-slip rubber mats.

• Secure landing spaces

If your home has a stairway, then install balustrades and handrails for additional support. You could also set up a resting spot between the floors as shown in the image, so the elderly can sit down and catch their breath. Cozy nooks like these can also enhance the functional and aesthetic value of under-utilized landing spaces like these.

• Set up well-lit areas

Ensure proper lighting in all parts of your home. Adequate lighting can makes it much easier for the family elders to find their way around. This can also minimize the risk of injuries. With a window right by the bed, this bedroom maximizes on natural light. For the evenings, there’s a lamp beside the bed and a tube light on the wall.

The kitchen is an important area to focus on, since older family members might like to engage in daily chores, such as cooking. These recessed lights under the shelves are really useful in shedding light on the countertops.

• Make room for lounging spaces

Most elders love comfortable lounging spaces like balconies to soak in the sun when having their morning tea or reading the newspaper. Even a swing like this, so long as it is stable and sturdy, is a good idea. After all, you’re never too old to have fun.