As we age, our mobility and physical abilities change, and for many seniors, the home they've lived in for years may no longer meet their needs, leading to safety hazards and decreased quality of life. 

According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, "home environments without the basic accessibility components can negatively impact the daily activities of persons with functional limitations." For example, a home that doesn't have enough space for individuals using wheelchairs or other mobility aids to navigate the home comfortably is violating their human rights and reducing their quality of life.

Many families looking for new homes for their loved ones now focus on homes with accessibility features that accommodate seniors or anyone in the family with health conditions or impairments. As a home renovation contractor or designer, it is crucial that you consider essential factors when renovating a home for senior accessibility, such as safety, comfort, and independence for older adults. Consider the following tips on renovating a home for senior accessibility to create a welcoming home for everyone. 

Assess the Home's Needs

The first step in renovating a home for senior accessibility is to assess the home's needs, as this will help you determine what type of renovations the space requires. You should consider the current and future needs of the senior, such as mobility, vision, and hearing. Consider hiring an occupational therapist or a certified aging-in-place specialist to evaluate the home and make recommendations. They can thoroughly assess the home's needs and suggest modifications to make the home safer and more accessible.

Improve Exterior & Interior Designs

It's important to consider both the exterior and interior of the home to improve senior accessibility, as a space with limited space can pose challenges for seniors. For example, a senior using a wheelchair or crutches may have difficulty walking up the stairs indoors and outdoors. So, it is important for your renovation project to include a ramp at the home entrance and a stairlift inside the home.

Another important architectural design consideration is the size of the doorway and hallway, especially in high-traffic areas. If there is limited space between door or hallway openings, it can be challenging for individuals with mobility aids to move around the area comfortably. Consider widening doorways and hallways to allow for easy wheelchair and walker access. 

Create a Barrier-Free Bathroom

Bathrooms can be hazardous for seniors, as slippery surfaces can lead to falls, resulting in injuries. Creating a barrier-free bathroom can improve safety and comfort, allowing seniors to use the bathroom independently. 

One of the first things you should consider installing is a walk-in or transfer shower to allow seniors to enter and exit the shower area easily. You can speak to an accessibility professional from Freedom Showers and explore a wide range of accessible showers and add optional accessories for added style and safety. Visit FreedomShowers.com to browse their extensive list of products that have been transforming homes for over a decade. They offer hundreds of walk-in shower designs and ideas, allowing contractors to pick products that fit their design needs without compromising style. Many of their walk-in shower kits can include a shower chair or bench, grab bars and other shower accessories.

The toilet seat and floors are other factors to consider when creating a barrier-free bathroom. Consider installing a raised toilet seat or a toilet with grab bars for added safety and install slip-free flooring to reduce the risk of falls.

Make the Kitchen Senior-Friendly

The kitchen is another home area that can be challenging for seniors to navigate, especially if the cabinets are placed too high or appliances are hard to reach. Installing pull-out shelves and drawers can make it easier for seniors to access pots, pans, and dishes. 

You should also consider lowering countertops and sinks to make them more accessible, and installing an electric stove with automatic shut-off features can also improve safety in the kitchen. According to Senior Safety Advice, induction cooktops are the safest choice for seniors, as there is a lower risk of burns and no chance of gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning. Incorporating safe kitchen appliances that can be controlled easily allows seniors to live in a secure environment.

Install Smart Home Technology

Although the installation of smart home technology isn't mandatory for improving senior accessibility when renovating a home, smart home technology can improve safety, comfort, and independence for seniors. 

When renovating a home to enhance senior accessibility, consider installing a smart thermostat that can adjust the temperature automatically or a smart lighting system that can be controlled with a voice command or smartphone. Installing a home security system with remote monitoring can also improve safety and provide peace of mind.

Renovating a home for senior accessibility can improve seniors' safety, comfort, and independence and attract more buyers to a property. You can create a safe and comfortable home for seniors to age in place by considering the factors above in your next renovation project.