Features that Senior Citizens should look for in a New Home.
Senior citizens who seeking a new home should take into consideration all of their current and future conditions, such as limited mobility, accessibility to areas and the prevention of future accidents.
Important characteristics to keep in mind are:
- Proper lighting in all areas.
- All power switches and plugs must be in easy to reach places, like the entrance of an area, at an adequate height, near bed headrests, in hallways and washrooms.
- Make sure that cramped areas are free of obstacles, furniture, cables or toys that may cause accidents.
- Make sure the floor tiles are non-slip, especially in bathrooms.
- Make sure all furniture has rounded edges and borders to prevent injuries during movements, tripping or a falls.
- All tall furniture, like bookcases, closets or cabinets, should be bolted to the wall and with rounded edges.
- All steps should be properly identified, wide enough, properly painted and with hand rails.
- Avoid uneven, inclined and object filled surfaces.
- In bathroom it is recommended to install non-slip carpets and hand rails in the shower and near toilets.
- Rest areas such as the living room and terrace should have proper lighting and ventilation, furniture with acceptable height to avoid excess effort and be free of obstacles.
- It is recommended to place emergency cordless phones in different areas of the house.
- In the kitchen the pantry should be at an acceptable height, cabinets bolted to the walls, shallow kitchen sink to avoid bending over, easy to use faucets, non-slip floor, proper lighting and free of obstacles.
- It’s important to have a security system and cameras to visualize and prevent dangers.
- If considering a full time caregiver, ensure the home has a service area and bedroom with private bathroom.
- Avoid houses with pools and fences in order to avoid accidents.
