How To Stay in Your Own Home as You Age

While the desire to stay in the comfort and independence of your own home as you age is a reasonable one, there are many unique and unexpected challenges that may need to be considered before making the decision. The changes in balance, decreased mobility or the risk of falling as we grow older all require home modifications to make safety the No. 1 priority. Fortunately, senior-friendly design professionals have come up with ideas for creating living environments that are both safe and aesthetically pleasing. Here is some well-thought-out advice on how mature adults can enjoy a comfortable, secure and beautifully designed home.

• The cozy, relaxed living room is one of the rooms used by all family members. To keep it safe, especially for seniors, consider purchasing furniture without sharp edges, and opt for curved lines. Incidentally, furniture with curved lines is very on-trend right now in interior design, so you will not be sacrificing style for safety. Remove any tripping hazards such as area rugs and replace them with rugs that have non-slip backing. You can also secure your current rug with double-sided tape or a rug pad to hold it safely in place. Make sure the sofa and chair cushions are firm so that seniors can easily get up and down from their seat.
• Kitchens should be equipped with reachable shelves and cabinets. Many people have broken a hip falling from a ladder while trying to reach an item on a high shelf. Keeping frequently used items on lower shelves makes the most sense. Add a touch of elegance and convenience by installing pullout shelves. Install flooring that is water resistant and textured to reduce slipping.
• Bathrooms can be particularly challenging given the number of slippery surfaces in the room. Zero-threshold showers that have no ledge or sill to step over are a great contemporary look for any bathroom. Bathtub grab bars come in a wide range of sophisticated finishes, like brushed nickel and matte black, to match the décor in your room. Beautiful anti-slip tiles help prevent falls in colors that coordinate with the rest of the room.