How to equip an apartment so that the older generation is comfortable in it? All people are different, but the desire for stability becomes stronger with age in the majority. Despite the fact that changes are not the most attractive, they happen: old furniture breaks, or you even have to move. If you are in a similar situation or are helping your parents with the interior, this article will help you remember those moments that will make the house safer and more comfortable for the older generation.
Safety and Comfort
An important role in the interior for the elderly is given to the furniture that surrounds them. There are several reasons that even a minor slip and fall may lead to injury or even death. Given the characteristics of age, it should be soft and have the most comfortable properties. Ideally, sofas and beds can be equipped with special frames and orthopaedic mattresses that support the anatomically correct body position. Adult relatives will appreciate the massage chairs, which will reduce the load on the joints and relax their muscles.
As for the design, it should match the overall style of the room. If the budget allows, think of luxury bedroom sets that combine two key factors: safety and comfort. The only thing – try to avoid furniture with sharp corners and fragile details. Choose models with a vintage twist that older people love so much.
Stick to traditional solutions
An elderly fan of high-tech or extreme minimalism is rather an exception to the rule. The best styles, in this case, are classic, retro, country, vintage. The use of light and warm shades is encouraged. Of course, it all depends on the characters and tastes of future residents.
Style may not even be a question here: create eclecticism, a mixture of styles, an interesting combination of new things and well-preserved old ones. If everything works out, the retro chest of drawers will not look silly next to a modern TV and a chair with a trendy print, and everyone will be satisfied.
Always try to find a compromise
Mom wants a chandelier in the centre of the ceiling, but do you think this solution is outdated? Buy a stylish model or complement your overhead lighting with sleek and functional wall sconces. Parents gravitate towards wallpaper, but are you a fan of painted walls? A pattern can be applied to the paint using a stencil – perhaps it is the pattern that seems attractive to them in the wallpaper.
Don’t forget about protection
In the house of an elderly person, the floor should be non-slip: choose tiles with a textured rough surface and use carpet (it is also nice and warm to have carpet under your feet). Furniture should be stable and durable, without protruding legs that are easy to trip over and too sharp corners.
Storage problem
Older people often have a lot of memorabilia that is a pity to throw away. In such cases, it is important to properly organize storage: everything that may be needed in everyday life should be available without a ladder; all the favourites are in plain sight. The “luggage” accumulated over a lifetime that is not used on a daily basis can be removed to the upper shelves and mezzanines, taken to the dacha or given to the storage room.
Comfort in every room
An apartment for an elderly person should be, first of all, comfortable. Each room has its own features:
Bathroom: For safety in a wet area, it is best to mount a handrail to the wall and place a rubber mat on the bottom of the tub. A bathtub or shower with seating will not only be safe, but also comfortable. Place a mat on the floor to prevent slipping.
Kitchen: Ditch the bar with high stools in favour of a traditional dining group. Instead of several chairs, you can put a soft sofa with storage space. At the same time, the technology can be the most modern in order to simplify life; the main thing is to help the elders to master it.
Bedroom: the main thing in the bedroom is a comfortable bed. The optimal height is important (not an oriental model and not a loft bed) and the orthopaedic properties of the mattress. Another important point is soundproofing (at least good windows) for light sleep.
