Access All Areas – How to Future-Proof Your Home

It’s not just old age that can bring mobility problems. Illness can strike at any time, not that we like to think about these things. A recent survey found that the vast majority of us want to stay in our own home and not enter residential care to see out our years. But one of the main issues that prevent this happening is our own home becoming ‘unsafe’. Can you future proof your home so you can enjoy it for years to come?

What does ‘unsafe’ in our own home mean?

It’s hard to imagine that the place we call home, the place where we feel safe and secure, could become our biggest enemy in our later years. From taking a tumble on the stairs to not being able to leave our home, there are many factors that contribute to it no longer being ‘safe’. It is possible to future-proof it and by taking action now, you may find you find it ‘easier’ to live in your home. What type of things should you be looking at?

#1 Consider access

If you have steps and many changes of level in the garden and outside areas, you may want to consider making a few changes to the hard landscaping around your home. By doing so, you extend considerably how long and how well you can use the outdoor space.

#2 Grab rails and railings

Let’s be honest, aids like grab handles and rails aren’t always stylish, something that stops many people from installing them. Bright white and very obvious, not everyone is happy to have these chunky items on display. There are alternatives. Grab handles and rails don’t have to be made from white plastic. Wooden handles, metal rails or even glass balustrades can offer the same ‘something to grab onto’ aid when accessing or exiting your home. And because they are commonly seen at other properties, no one will think any different about yours…

#3 Universal design kitchens and bathrooms

Universal design is the name used to describe a design that allows everyone to use it whether they are short or tall, old or young, immobile, in a wheelchair or have other disabilities. It’s a clever way of ensuring that you can always use your bathroom and kitchen, two areas of the home that can be problematic. From seating in the shower, to easy to reach and access cupboards in the kitchen, universal design means you can enjoy your kitchen and bathroom more, but you are safer with supportive design.

#4 Consider security

One issue that many older people find concerning is just how safe they feel at home. Home security has changed so much in recent times with the advent of a smart home. From security cameras that can be accessed remotely to gismos like the ‘Ring’ doorbell, there are many things you can do to improve the security of your home. And with other tech in the house, it is possible to make improvements now on the security of your home.

Your home is still your castle

There is the assumption that you should downsize to a more manageable place but not everyone wants to do this. But why not start making changes now so you can really enjoy living in your home for the years to come?