Making your home suitable for the elderly

Bev asks:

My elderly mother is coming to live with us. Can you suggest any alterations that I can make to our home to make life easier for her?

Jane says:

This is a question that is being asked more frequently, as more families decide to accommodate their aging relatives in their own home. “Ageing in place” as it is sometimes called, is often a cheaper and happier alternative to placing loved ones in paid care.

The first thing to work out is what degree of change is required to the home. This depends on the physical capabilities of the elder, plus the requirements of other family members. Budget and resources are also key points to consider. A room-to-room inspection helps to work out what can be improved, moved or removed – make notes on potential hazards, hard to access areas and items that will be hard to operate for the elder. Keep in mind that most older people want to be independent, to contribute and be part of a family. Make the role of your elder significant.

If your relative uses a wheelchair, major changes will be required, including installation of ramps (inside and out) and possible widening of doorways. Owners of multi-level houses might consider installation of a lift or stairlift, or the more affordable option of ensuring everything that the elder needs is located on the ground floor. Items should be reachable from a sitting position, so some rearranging in the kitchen might be necessary, such as stocking a lower cupboard with required items and installation of a low bench.

Whether the elder is mobile or wheelchair-bound, you’ll need to remove hazards underfoot such as pets, rugs, toys and cables. It’s a similar thing for outside living areas – keep them obstacle-free, and provide some comfortable and accessible seating.

To make life easier for your relative, think about installing brighter lighting in high-traffic areas,  motion-sensor night-lights, lever-action tapware, and railings on each side of steps and staircases.

In the bathroom, consider safety rails near the toilet and shower, anti-slip treads on the tiles, addition of a shower chair, specially designed (easy-use) taps, and a hand-held shower head. For those elders with limited mobility, there is a wide range of equipment available, including transfer benches to enable easier bath entry, toilet frames, and curved grab-bars. If you have temperature control on your hot-water system, try lowering the temperature to avoid the severity of accidental scalds.

The installation of a bed trapeze can assist the elder with getting out of bed, and an overbed table means they can keep handy items close by.

Think of your family living room – does everyone have their favourite seat? Establishing a position in the living room for the elder helps them to feel involved and included.

So if you’re bringing an elderly relative into your home, ask them what they feel is important for their own safety and wellbeing. Consult with an occupation therapist, talk to caregivers, download an online checklist.

Best of all is the quality of shared wisdom and experience you and your family will gain from that extra member of the family!

Jane Eyles-Bennett is the founder of Hotspace Consultants and has more than 20 years of interior design and renovation experience. 

Send your renovation questions to Jane at scoop@brisbanetimes.com.au