Home Adaptations for Safer Independent Living
Making some simple changes to your home could make it more comfortable for you.
As you or a loved one gets older there may come a time when the current state of a property isn’t suitable to accommodate independent living safely. The tough choice many people then face is should they adapt their current home or move to somewhere more suited. Thanks to advances in technology, it has become more popular for people to remain in their residence and continue to live independently for much longer.
Knowing where to start can be difficulty, especially if you’ve lived in your house a long time as it can be hard to imagine it in any other way. Here’s our suggestions on how you can adapt your home for safer, independent living.
Handrails / grab bars
A loss of or reduced balance is very common as we age so it’s essential that aids are strategically placed around the house to reduce the risk of falls. Handrails are commonly put on landings, in bathrooms to help get in and out of the bath or shower, around toilets and near exterior doors. There are many different types or handrails / grab bars available, and they should be installed at correct heights and positions so it’s best to contact a specialist company for professional advice.
Lighting
To reduce the risk of bumping into, falling over or miscalculating steps it’s always advisable to ensure adequate lighting is installed throughout the house. You can even take it one step further by adding lighted handrails!
Stairlift
A stairlift can play a vital role in independent living. It minimises the risk of injuries occurring from the stairs and can ultimately give you the freedom to utilise your whole house. Many people who start to feel weary about their stairs simply limit their use or stop using them altogether, there is a better solution and many users wish they’d opted for one years ago! No matter the design of your stairs (straight or curved) there is a vast range of stairlifts available.
Furniture
It is often sensible to replace heavy, bulky furniture with ones that give more room for simple movement around the house. The goal is to minimise anything that can be bumped into or tripped over. When it comes to bedroom furniture, high furniture is advisable.
House Automation Technology
Technology has come on leaps and bounds in recent years with the introduction of smart devices. Many elderly people don’t realise just how many solutions there are to everyday problems. From smart thermostats to smart doorbells right through to motion-sensor lights and even voice-controlled home devices that can use to call for medical or supportive help. These devices can be real game changes when it comes to assisted living and once set up, don’t require many technical skills to use day to day.
This Age UK infographic is a great resource for showing the many ways you can adapt your home or the home of a loved one so we’ definitely recommend taking a look – https://www.ageuk.org.uk/globalassets/age-uk/media/infographics/home-adaptations-for-easy-living.pdf
Can Sykes Stairlifts help?
Please don’t hesitate to contact us for a friendly, no pressure chat about your current situation. Sykes Stairlifts are a family run business and have been established for over 35 years, trading from our Woodseats, Sheffield showroom.
Our installation service have successfully met the professional assessment standard to become a Which? Trusted Trader and we are committed to abide by the Which? Trusted Traders’ Code of Conduct. You can view independent reviews on our Which profile, Facebook page and our website.
As well as offering new and refurbished stairlifts we can:
- Offer expert repair services
- Overhaul your stairlift
- Service your stairlift
- Offer professional advice
- Give you great value services
- Give you a free estimate
We offer stairlifts and stairlift services to Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham. Chesterfield, Peak District Derby, Mansfield & Nottingham.