The key to success lies in combining functionality and style. Creating an accessible home doesn’t mean you have to give up on aesthetics. With thoughtful planning and a focus on design, you can have a practical yet beautifully renovated space. Here’s how to design a safe and stylish home for your elderly loved ones, covering key areas like the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and even the garden.
Welcoming an elderly family member into your home can be a heartwarming experience. But it’s no secret that it also comes with challenges—chief among them, ensuring your home is both safe and comfortable for their needs. A small trip or an uncomfortable chair may not seem like a big deal to a younger person, but these can pose significant risks or discomfort for someone older.
Accessibility Starts in the Kitchen
The kitchen often serves as the heart of the home, so making it accessible is essential. The goal is to ensure your family member can safely and comfortably participate in day-to-day activities like preparing meals or simply having a cup of tea.
Features to Consider
- Lower Countertops and Cabinets: Ensure that frequently used items are easy to reach by lowering kitchen counters and cabinets. You can also consider pull-out shelves for added convenience.
- Anti-Slip Flooring: Kitchens are prone to spills, which can create hazardous slippery surfaces. Opt for textured, anti-slip tiles or vinyl flooring to reduce risk.
- Accessible Appliances: Look for modern appliances with user-friendly features like large buttons, levers instead of knobs, and adjustable heights.
- Rounded Edges: Install rounded edges on countertops to avoid sharp corners in the event of a bump or fall.
Remember, functionality doesn’t have to take a backseat to style. Soft, neutral colours and clean lines can create a kitchen that’s practical but still Instagram-worthy!
Bathroom Safety with Style
Bathrooms are one of the most accident-prone areas in any home, especially for the elderly. Making a few strategic changes can improve safety while maintaining a sleek design.
Bathroom Additions
- Walk-In Shower or Tub: Replace traditional bathtubs with walk-in showers or tubs with anti-slip surfaces. These are low-threshold and incredibly safer for people with mobility challenges.
- Grab Bars: Install grab bars near the toilet and shower. Choose modern designs that blend seamlessly with your bathroom’s aesthetics—they now come in colours and finishes like matte black or brushed gold to suit your décor.
- Bathroom Aids: Folding shower chairs or adjustable-height stools can provide comfort during bathing while looking neat and unobtrusive when not in use.
- Non-Slip Bath Mats: Opt for simple, tasteful mats with non-slip backing to enhance safety and visual appeal.
Consider lighting too—bright, well-lit spaces with no shadowy spots make it easier for older eyes to see.
Bedrooms That Promote Comfort and Ease
The bedroom is a sanctuary, and its design should reflect that. Prioritise features that maximise ease of use, promote relaxation, and suit their physical health requirements.
Top Bedroom Features
- Pressure Mattresses: For relatives with health concerns like arthritis or back pain, pressure-relieving mattresses can work wonders. They offer superb comfort while helping to avoid pressure sores.
- Adjustable Beds: An adjustable bed can allow your loved one to sit up easily or find just the right angle for a night of restful sleep.
- Closet Accessibility: Install wardrobes with sliding doors instead of traditional ones, and opt for pull-down hangers to make clothes easily reachable.
- Soft Carpeting or Area Rugs: Choose low-pile carpets or rugs secured with anti-slip pads to cushion falls while adding warmth to the space.
Keep the bedroom ambience soothing by using restful colours like warm greys or soft blues. Add gentle lighting, such as dimmable bedside lamps, for reading or an evening wind-down.
Garden Accessibility for Outdoor Joy
A well-maintained garden can be a source of joy and relaxation for your elderly family member. Creating an accessible outdoor space ensures everyone can enjoy it together.
Garden Improvements
- Smooth, Even Pathways: Paved walkways or garden paths should be level and wide enough to accommodate mobility aids like walkers or wheelchairs.
- Comfortable Seating: Add weatherproof benches or chairs with back support in shady spots.
- Raised Garden Beds: For green-thumbed family members, raised garden beds provide opportunities for easier gardening without needing to bend over.
- Good Lighting: Ensure garden paths and seating areas are well-lit in the evenings with solar or LED lights. Decorative lantern-style lighting is both practical and charming!
An accessible garden can be as stylish as it is functional—with potted plants, hanging baskets, and ambient lighting creating a peaceful outdoor space.
Combining Thoughtfulness with Style
You’re creating more than just a home—you’re building a space where your loved one can move comfortably while maintaining their independence and dignity. By prioritising safety features such as grab bars or anti-slip flooring and pairing them with thoughtful design choices like monochrome finishes or warm colour accents, you can strike the perfect balance between practicality and beauty.
And don’t forget—renovating for accessibility doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small, room by room, and make the adjustments gradually.
If you’re ready to begin your home renovation with accessibility in mind, be sure to consult with experienced professionals or suppliers who can guide you on product options and the latest stylish home aids. After all, making home life better for your elderly family member benefits everyone in the household.