How can a house or flat be adapted to the needs of older people?

Older people often have different needs than younger people, both in terms of functionality and safety. Therefore, if you are planning to adapt your flat or house to the needs of older people, it is worth considering a few key issues, such as, for example, the accessibility of rooms, safety in the kitchen or bathroom, or the ability to move around the flat without barriers. In today’s article, we will take a closer look at how to adapt your flat or house for the elderly and what to consider during such an adaptation.

What are the most important rooms to adapt for seniors?

The most important rooms to adapt for the elderly are first and foremost:

• bathroom – think about grab rails and handrails and a special toilet seat suitable for people with reduced mobility,
• kitchen – it is important to ensure safety during food preparation (e.g. by installing fire extinguishers and smoke detectors),
• bedroom – it is important to provide adequate storage space for belongings and a comfortable bed,
• living room – it is advisable to provide comfortable seating and lighting to facilitate reading and other daily activities.

In addition to these rooms, it is also important to ensure accessibility to other parts of the home, such as corridors or stairs, by installing handrails or fitting a wheelchair platform.

What additional equipment might a senior citizen need?

In addition to changes to the layout and furnishings of the rooms themselves, there are also some additional items that may be useful for older people. Here are some examples:

• a phone with large keys or a phone with an alphanumeric keypad for easy calling and texting,
• fire alarm with emergency call function,
• devices to measure blood pressure, blood glucose, etc,
• special seats or shelves with handles for bathing,
• extended or raised toilet seats to make it easier to use the toilet,
• an electric bed with a function to raise the upper part of the mattress, enabling comfortable standing up,
• stairlifts or wheelchair platforms to enable mobility up and down stairs.

Of course, choosing the right appliances and solutions depends on the individual needs and abilities of the senior citizen and the characteristics of the home. It is advisable to seek specialist advice in order to select appropriate solutions.