Home adaptations for the elderly

Small adaptations to make life easier

Although you may find that large-scale adaptations are required, firstly there are a few simple things you can do to make your loved one’s home that little bit better to be in. The first steps in creating a safe environment for elderly care often include –

Improve lighting

Wherever there’s an opportunity throughout the home, it’s a great idea to let as much natural light as possible pour into living spaces. This will not only make visibility easier, but it can also help establish natural rhythms of night and day, aiding sleep. Ensuring rooms can be properly lit during the darker hours is essential to reducing trips, falls, and confusion too. You can do this by – 

• Replace dark heavy curtains with blinds
• add mirrors to reflect light around the room (bear in mind mirrors can be upsetting to those with dementia)
• upgrade lightbulbs to LED versions
• consider painting rooms and dark furniture a lighter colour 
• add lamps to seating areas, and beside the bed
• consider replacing older light switches with ones that are easier to grip
• consider motion activated lighting in hallways

Create clear contrasts

Whether it’s furniture, towels in the bathroom or bedding, go for clear block colours and avoid any complex stripes or patterns. This will make it easier to see and distinguish between items and areas.

Open outdoor space

Extend the inside to the outside. If you’re lucky enough to have outdoor space, take advantage of it. A lovely place to sit outside, around foliage and nature, can do wonders for wellbeing, especially if getting out and about is of increased difficulty.

Clear up any clutter

It’s essential to remove any potential trip hazards or health and safety concerns from around the home. Make sure any trinkets are safely locked and all unused furniture is removed. Be mindful of –

• Keeping pet accessories (bowls, toys etc.) in one room as much as possible
• Securing the corners and edges of rugs to the floor, placing slip resistance pads underneath, or removing them entirely
• removing loose wires, or tacking them to skirting boards to keep them safe.

Remember, what you view as clutter, an older loved one may see as something important or sentimental. Avoid using triggering language such as ‘junk’ or ‘clutter’ when trying to make their home safer. Ask them what they want to do with items, and whether there is a cupboard or safer place to store things that are in the way. 

Keep it tidy

This is something a live-in carer is able to help with on a day-to-day basis. Keeping the home clean and hygienic is an integral element of ensuring its a safe, happy and comfortable environment. Things to try include –

• checking the fridge and cupboards for expired items when you visit 
• help them create a schedule for reoccurring domestic tasks to help build a memorable routine. e.g empty waste paper bins on Monday morning, or put a dark load of laundry on on Wednesday afternoon.  
• ensure essential items are kept in a visible and accessible place. Labelling drawers or cupboards can help too 
• put unnecessary items away. e.g if a loved one has lots of bath towels they may not do any laundry until they run out. Keeping just a couple out for use can help prevent this becoming overwhelming. 

Telecare equipment

Although no replacement for specialist carer, technology is increasingly able to make the life of those living with conditions, such Alzheimer’s, better.

Labelled ‘telecare’, there are a range of different sensors, switches and detectors that can help provide carers with additional support and families with additional reassurance.

• Wearable alarms — such as necklace to call for help
• Emergency alarms — such as fire and smoke detectors
• Movement sensors — such as detecting if you’re out of bed
• Incontinence sensors — devices that can alert the carer to toileting accidents

Telecare availability varies significantly from one local authority to another, who also have differing eligibility criteria. If you’re not told about availability, it’s always worth asking.

Improvements around the home

It can be difficult to have an idea of what changes might need to be made. Here we go round some of the most important rooms in the house, going through some of the changes that might need to be made.

Elderly adaptations in the bathroom

The bathroom is a room that poses a big risk of a fall, but there are also other hazards to consider. Luckily, there are several adaptations that can be made to make this room

– Prevent scalding – Installing thermostatic mixer taps and showers will provide the perfect temperature and prevent the flow of scalding water if the cold water fails.

– Prevent falls – Adding grab rails, a transfer bench and a hoist can make the most hazardous task of getting in an out of the bath that little bit easier.

– Improve accessibility – An accessible bath and walk-in shower will make it easier to wash, even if mobility is impaired. If budget or room is restricted, you can modify your bath or shower with a chair.

– Prevent flooding – When someone has memory issues, bathrooms can flood easily. Adding a flood warning system or a special saftey plug can reduce the risk.

Your local authority should be able to provide home adaptations up to the cost of £1000, which you’re entitled to regardless of your income.