More and more, families are participating in “multigenerational” living. This simply means that more families have an elderly loved one living with them, such as a spouse’s mom or dad (or both). If you’re building a custom home in Highland Village or any area around Dallas, you may want to consider features that will make your home safer for seniors. We have a few tips below we think you’ll find helpful!
The easiest adjustments to make include clearing clutter such as toys, laundry baskets, extension cords, throw rugs, anything that could cause a slip, trip, or fall. Tape down electrical cords that may be in the pathway of an elderly loved one. In addition, use nightlights to illuminate the bathroom/hallway at night, consider lever handles for doors instead of traditional round knobs. Where any stairs or steps exist, make sure there are railings for your aging loved one to hold on to for support and stability.
In the bathroom, life can be made safer by placing toilet paper in a place that’s easy to reach, installing grab or support bars on the wall beside the toilet and in the tub, and using grip or non-slip mats in the tub/shower to reduce the likelihood of slipping. An adjustable toilet seat is also a good idea, as seniors often have a hard time getting up from a low toilet seat.
Smart lights can be programmed to come on at a pre-determined time, or be triggered by motion. Searching for a light switch can be a hazard for an older person, so make lighting easier! Also consider the lighting throughout your home, especially in the kitchen and your loved one’s bedroom, closet, and bath. Brighter lights make for better vision when it comes to aging.
Seniors are typically colder than younger members of the family, so think about installing separate HVAC controls so everyone in your family can enjoy the greatest comfort level.
In the kitchen, there are lots of things you can do to keep your senior relative safe such as the addition of pull-down shelving, using D-shaped handles on cabinetry for easier grip, even installing an induction stove to prevent accidental (and often serious) burns. Reorganizing your drawers and cabinets so that the items your elderly loved one uses frequently are within easy reach is also recommended.
At Bud Bartley Family Builders, we want to help ensure the safety and comfort of multigenerational families. Our Highland Village custom homebuilders are happy to integrate safety and design features when building your home, making it a safe haven everyone will enjoy!
