New Homes: Tips to Accommodating a Senior Loved One

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Most people aspire to own their own home. But as you get older, so does your elderly loved one, and you may find yourself having to now care for a senior loved one. If you can foresee this happening, then it would be in your best interests to build your new premises to accommodate both your needs as well as that of your senior loved one. This will help you save a significant amount of money in renovations down the road. The following are a few of the tips you could consider if you will be accommodating a senior loved one in your residence.

Tip 1: Make use of contrasting colours

One of the senses that is bound to decline with age is sight. This becomes especially apparent in low lighting conditions. If your senior loved one cannot be able to discern what is right in front of them, it puts them at risk of injuring themselves. A simple way to deal with this would be to infuse your residence with enhanced lighting and colours that will contrast. For instance, you could have your stairways painted in bold colours that will make them stand out yet still complement your walls. If you are installing hand railings, opt to have them brightly coloured so they will be easy to spot. With the right decorator, these contrasting colours can also function to create visual interest around your home, enhancing your interior.

Tip 2: Install an outdoor ramp

Another major concern when living with a loved one is accessibility. Granted, you could choose to have them live on the ground floor, hence eliminating the need for them to use any stairs. However, if you are constructing on a slope, chances are you will still have a stairway leading into your house. When building your new home, opt to have a ramp installed from the beginning. This ramp can also be beneficial to you if you have smaller children as it would be easier for them to get around as they are learning how to walk. It also minimises the chances of accidents caused by falling down the stairs.

Tip 3: Opt for wide doors

Your senior loved one may not be wheelchair bound. Nevertheless, this is something you should bear in mind when constructing a new home. Instead of conventional doors, choose wider alternatives that would make your home more accessible in the event that you need to push a wheelchair through them. Designs such as bifolds and French doors will also make your home appear brighter and enhance ventilation, making them beneficial to you too!


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