8 Functional Design Features in a Senior Citizen’s Home!

With joint families taking a back seat and the younger generation travelling for work and living abroad becoming the norm, Senior Citizen’s living alone is on the increase. The challenges faced by them are many and suitable design features are essential for ease in their day to day living.

On a macro level, there are Gated communities with in-house Medical facilities, screened domestic help and relevant activities for the elderly. On a micro level, there are very many elements that can be added to living spaces to suit the needs of the Infirm and elderly. This post looks at few such details.

•       Well-lit spaces
  -   Living spaces that are positioned to garner maximum daylight help the elderly to use spaces with ease.
  -   Artificial lighting that is Indirect, anti glare and soft is ideal.
  -   Writing desks and kitchen counters to have task lights to additionally illuminate work surfaces.
  -   Walkways to be adequately lit at regular intervals without creating shadow areas. 

Photo by Sheila Rich Interiors, LLC - Search corridor design ideas

•       Non slippery floors
  -   Matte finish tiles, Natural stones, Wood, Linoleum and Rubber flooring are ideal choices for flooring for better grip.
  -   Anti slip mats can be added below rugs and carpets when used to cover floors to avoid trips and slippage.

Photo by Martin's Floor Covering - Search living room design ideas

•        Avoid difference in floor levels
  -   Level differences and thresholds are best avoided to minimize falls.
  -   In unavoidable circumstances, thresholds and steps can be done in a different colour for easy spotting.
  -   Ramps, instead of steps are another option for effortless access.

Photo by DRBarbour Photography - Search home office design ideas

•      Pleasant Colours and Patterns

  -   Colours like Light blues and Off-whites exude peace and serenity. Earthy colours like browns and moss green connect them to the natural world and make them restful.

  -   Colours can be visual cues. Using contrasting colours for steps and landing, floors and furnishings or floors and walls can help them distinguish different surfaces easily.

  -   Patterns that are subtle are most suitable as bold geometric prints and high contrast graphics are visually disturbing.   

Photo by Summer Thornton Design, Inc - More bedroom photos

•  Wider Doorways, Hardware and fittings

  -   Doorways and Corridors that is wide enough for wheelchair and walker       accessibility is an important consideration for convenient usage.

  -   Arthritic hands find it difficult to grasp small knobs. Door handles that are of   Lever style are better options than Door knobs.

  -   Soft closing drawer slides for drawers and relevant hinges for shutters are   preferred choices for ease of use. 

Photo by HomeStory Doors of Chicago - Search bedroom design ideas

•         Pointers in Toilets
  -   Grab bars near Water closets and along Shower areas help in getting up and walking in wet areas.
  -   A bench in the Shower area is a useful element for the elderly to sit down for their bath.
  -   Hand held showers are a better alternative to Shower heads for easy accessibility and for people with mobility issues.

Photo by TRUADDITIONS - Search home design design ideas

•       Electrical pointers
  -   Illuminated rocker switches are ideal to help identify the position of a switch.
  -   Electrical outlets are to be ideally positioned at a height of 2 feet and above so that excessive bending is not required to use it.
  -   Emergency bell switches in toilets, near bedside units and regular work areas is a boon in times of emergency.

Photo by MOTION4 - More bedroom photos

•       Accessibility in Multi level dwellings
  -    Traversing multi level spaces are a challenge for the elderly. A Chair lift fixed to an existing stairway is a valuable addition to mitigate mobility issues
  -   Adding compact elevators, if possible, to an existing residence is another beneficial inclusion.
  -   Access to a common elevator to all levels in a Duplex apartment is an important feature that can be incorporated by builders.   

Photo by The Chair Lift Store - More home design photos

“Age is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength – Betty Friedan”

On this thought and with the above design pointers in place, here’s wishing all Senior Citizens the very best in their golden years.

Until we interact two weeks from now, stay young in spirit!

PRIYADARSHINI B S

PD DESIGNS