Old age dawns on everyone eventually – it’s a part of the circle of life. The day-to-day tasks that were once so easy, slowly take on the guise of a cumbersome chore. This is the time to re-think about the features in your home and take a close look at what could be altered to make them more elderly-friendly.

Most of these changes would require minimal changes that will result in providing a safer and more comfortable way of life for the elderly. Here’s a look at some smart ideas for you to invest in:

Floors

The floor is hardly a matter of concern for people in their prime, but they can be hazardous for the elderly. You should go for anti-skid flooring that excludes marble floors and includes slip-resistant floor tiles that can remove the danger underfoot. These are also more convenient for wheelchairs or walkers. And if you need carpeting, then go with low-pile carpeting as they are less likely to tangle with the walker. In key areas like the bathroom or where there is the likelihood of water spillage, you could always use non-skid mats with rubber suckers beneath them.

Bathrooms

This area is a high-risk area for slips and falls. You should change to anti-skid floor tiles and place non-slip mats in key areas. Grab bars are another indispensable feature that can be installed next to the shower, toilet and bathtub. You should also eliminate all the steps in the bathroom as they are known to cause slips and trips.

Staircases

Living on more than one level can become a challenge for the elderly. Staircases are especially dangerous and hand railings must be provided on both sides of the stairs for support. The stairway should also be well-lit along the entire way and the edge of the steps clearly defined to prevent any mishaps. Installing stair elevators is another idea for wheelchair-bound elderly people.

Lighting

Since the sight also starts to fail with age, a well-lit home is important for the elders. Starting from the main entry doorway to the corridors, stairwells, bathrooms, and back porches, every part of the home should be brightly lit. The front entrance porch should also have a surface to keep a bag or package, so elders don’t drop anything while looking for the key.

Comfort

With arthritis and other age-related conditions, turning doorknobs can be painful. Install lever-style handles instead. The same can be done for faucets.

By making all these changes, elderly people aren’t only safer, but more independent too.