As we age, our homes should evolve to meet our changing needs. For elderly individuals in Liverpool, this means making their living spaces safer, more comfortable, and more accessible.
With the right modifications and additions, seniors can continue to live independently and comfortably in their homes, reducing the risk of accidents while enhancing their quality of life.
As an elderly person living in Liverpool, UK, there are many helpful devices and adjustments that can improve your home safety and convenience, including stairlifts, handrails, smart devices, widened doorways and many others.
Keep reading to learn more!
1) Stairlifts for Safe Movement Between Floors
For many elderly people, climbing stairs can become a daunting and hazardous task. Stairlifts are a perfect solution for those who want to stay in their multi-level homes but struggle with mobility. These devices allow individuals to safely and easily move between floors without the risk of falling.
Installing a stairlift in Liverpool, where many homes have multiple storeys, can be life-changing. Stairlift providers in Liverpool offer straight, curved, slimline, outdoor, secondhand and even rental options to suit all needs. For elderly people who have difficulty moving up and down stairs, a stairlift is a great way to regain confidence at home safely.
2) Grab Bars and Handrails in Key Areas
Falls are one of the leading causes of injury among elderly people, and they’re especially common in areas such as bathrooms and stairs. Adding grab bars and handrails to key areas of the home can massively reduce the risk of any painful falls.
Installing grab bars near the toilet, shower, and bathtub in the bathroom can provide much-needed support when getting in or out. Handrails in hallways and on stairs are essential for maintaining balance and preventing slips. These devices are easy to install and affordable and can make a real difference in improving home safety.
3) Smart Home Devices
As technology advances, smart home devices have become more affordable and accessible, offering huge benefits for elderly people. In Liverpool, seniors can take advantage of a range of smart products designed to enhance both safety and convenience.
Smart thermostats can automatically adjust the temperature of the home, making it easier to maintain a comfortable environment without needing to get up. Smart lights can be programmed to turn on at specific times, reducing the risk of tripping over furniture or stumbling in the dark. Additionally, smart security cameras and video doorbells offer an added layer of security by allowing homeowners to monitor visitors remotely. There are also in-home medical alert for seniors to consider, which are currently proving very popular and very useful for safety and health.
Smart speakers, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home, can be particularly useful for elderly individuals. With voice-activated controls, they can adjust lighting, set reminders for medications, or even call for help in an emergency, all without needing to move around too much.
4) Accessible Bathroom Modifications
The bathroom is one of the most important areas to focus on when making a home safer for elderly individuals. Slippery floors, high bathtubs, and difficult-to-use fixtures can all pose a risk of falls and injuries. However, there are many simple modifications that can make a bathroom more accessible.
Installing a walk-in shower with a built-in seat and non-slip flooring is a practical way to make bathing safer. For seniors who prefer baths, a walk-in bath with a low entry step can reduce the risk of slipping when getting in and out.
Adding raised toilet seats can make it easier for elderly individuals to sit down and stand up, while lever-style faucets are easier to operate for those with arthritis or limited hand strength.
5) Wider Doorways and Ramps for Wheelchair Access
For elderly individuals who use wheelchairs or walkers, ensuring that their home is wheelchair-friendly is essential. Many homes in Liverpool may not have been built with accessibility in mind, but there are several ways to make them more accommodating.
Widening doorways and installing ramps at entrances can provide easier access to different parts of the home. These changes allow elderly people to move freely without the worry of getting stuck or needing assistance. While this type of renovation can involve a bit of upfront cost, the long-term benefits of improved accessibility and independence are invaluable.
6) Anti-Slip Flooring for Added Safety
The floors in a home can become particularly hazardous for elderly people, especially if they are slippery. Installing anti-slip flooring or adding non-slip rugs in high-risk areas, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and hallways, can prevent dangerous falls.
Non-slip vinyl, rubber, or textured flooring options are ideal for elderly homes, as they provide a stable and safe surface to walk on. Additionally, adding adhesive strips to the underside of rugs or mats will keep them in place and further reduce any risk of tripping.
7) Emergency Alert Systems for Peace of Mind
An emergency alert system is a must-have for any elderly person living independently, as these systems allow individuals to call for help quickly in case of a fall or medical emergency. Many systems come in the form of a wearable device, such as a necklace or wristband, with an emergency button that can be pressed to contact emergency services.
Some emergency systems also include fall detection, which automatically alerts a monitoring service if a fall is detected, even if the person is unable to press the button. This technology can be a lifesaver for elderly people in Liverpool who live alone or may be at risk of falls.
Improving Your Home For Good in Liverpool
Making your home more accessible and secure is an important step in maintaining independence as you age. For elderly people in Liverpool, there are a range of affordable and practical additions that can improve safety and convenience.
These changes don’t have to be expensive either, and many can be done gradually over time. With the right modifications, elderly individuals in Liverpool can continue to enjoy their homes with confidence, knowing they have the support they need to live independently and securely.
