One of the fastest growing segments of the population are those reaching retirement. There are aging in place design needs to consider in creating a safe home environment. As we age, our visual acuity, strength, coordination, and reflex abilities diminish. We will not be able to quickly react to breaking a fall, nor will we recover from injury as well as when we were younger. It is important to remove hazards and be strategic about preventing accidents. (These prioritized tips are for a single level home. There are risks with stairs as well.)
There is higher risk of injuries in the bathroom. The bathroom is a room of hard surfaces, than when wet can become slippery and a fall could cause serious injury. There are few, if any, soft places to land in a bathroom!
In the kitchen you want to minimize the risk of a cook seriously cutting or burning themselves.
More people will want and need Aging in Place Design elements in the home to improve safety and facilitate independent living. Contact a local Certified Aging in Place Specialist, or hire a remodeling company that has professionals certified in Universal Design to help one live in a safer home as much as possible.
Happy home remodeling!
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