Today we will be creating an elderly friendly home in the Philippines.
Filipinos are known for their strong emphasis on family and the importance of maintaining close ties with relatives. It is common for Filipinos to have extended families, which often include not only immediate family members but also grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and even close family friends. This extended family structure creates a sense of belonging, support, and unity within the Filipino culture.
In fact, sons and daughters encourage their parents to live with them under the same roof even after they tied the knot with his or her partner. It is for the primary reason that they can still look after their parents or grandparents even after opening the marriage chapter of their lives.
Indeed, living with elderly parents or grandparents is already engraved in the Filipino culture. That is why it is important to ensure that when building a house, it should also be elderly friendly.
In this article, we will look at the 6 design tips to transform your abode into an elderly friendly home.
Creating an Elderly Friendly Home in the Philippines
Consider the traffic flow
If there is an elderly person living with you, it’s crucial to consider the traffic flow of the house. Meaning, you need to create a space where your senior citizens can move freely without bumping into anything.
It’s better to opt for layouts with clean and clutter-free layouts such as open plan layout. According to SwanBuild, ‘open style floor plans are ideal for senior living as they allow for continuity in flooring surfaces, which works well for those who will eventually need assistance from walkers or wheelchairs.’ Moreover, it minimizes the existence of doors and walls that can disrupt the easy flow of space inside the house.
Related Read: Breaking Walls: The Benefits of Open Plan Living
Proper lighting
Ambient lighting is a must in creating an elderly friendly home in the Philippines. As their eyesight faded over time, it is difficult for them to see stuff on the floor or located pathways which may lead to critical accidents.
As much as possible, install larger windows to allow more natural light to come in your house. Avoid using too much artificial light as these fixtures may hurt their eyesight. Glares can also affect their eyesight so it’s important to add window treatments like curtains or blinds. Light switches should also be within reach.
Install grab bars
Aside from adequate lighting, you should also add grab bars and railings when creating an elderly friendly home in the Philippines. They provide extra support when sitting and standing up, especially in accident prone areas like bathrooms. They are also great additions to your stairs or walkways for added security and can double up as a tower rail. Using lever style hardware in your bathroom doorknobs are also advisable for easy grip.
Remember not to use tower rails as grab bars as they are sometimes installed loosely and may cause accidents.
And add anti slip rugs
Interior designers and homeowners can agree that a polished stone flooring adds a lot to the glamour and visual appeal of the house. However, it is the very same thing that can cause slips and falls for seniors. In areas like the bathroom or kitchen, non-skid tiles should be used.
To prevent falls and accidental slips, you apply an anti slip treatment to your floors or go for pebbled floors. Adding perforated anti slip rugs are helpful, too.
The same thing can be said to carpets and rugs. Loose carpets are dangerous, too. If your elderly prefers to have under his or her feet, you can just add anti slip rug underlays.
Don’t forget the sharp edges
Aside from the furniture layout, you should also take into account items or stuff that have sharp edges. They can be harmful especially for active seniors when they bump on them. In creating an elderly friendly home in the Philippines, choose rounded or smooth furniture. In addition, you can also purchase corner guards in your local store or online.
Add accessible storage
As our elderlies may have a hard time going from one place to another, adding easily accessible storage can be of great help. Opt for base cabinets with drawers or long wall cabinets so it will be easy for the elderlies to grab stuff without having to climb or stretch.
In addition, you should also keep your interior space free from clutter and organized.
Maintain a consistent floor level
It doesn’t take an interior designer to know that uneven flooring can cause fatal accidents, trips, or falls. According to The New Paper, ‘raised flooring like thresholds and steps can be a hazard that leads to tripping.’
Moreover, interior designer of Aart Boxx Interior Ivan Lin suggests to keep the floor surface as levelled as possible. Curves, dips, and raised platforms are also a no-no.
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Final Takeaway
Creating an elderly friendly home in the Philippines involves designing and modifying existing living spaces to ensure comfort, safety, and accessibility for older adults. The primary goal is to enhance their quality of life and enable them to maintain their independence as they age.
One essential aspect of an elderly-friendly home is removing potential hazards and obstacles. Additionally, incorporating age-friendly features like non-slip flooring, adjustable-height countertops and cabinets, and lever-style door handles can significantly improve the ease of daily tasks for older adults. Creating a supportive and nurturing environment involves considering the individual’s specific needs, such as providing accessible storage and ensuring that essential items are within reach, and incorporating technology solutions like emergency call systems or smart home devices for added convenience and safety.