In addition to preparing for the design of homes for the elderly, there are also things to avoid to ensure that the home can accommodate and meet the needs of older adults effectively.

Elderly individuals experience changes in both physical and mental conditions. For their physical state, we can design or modify certain areas of the home to be suitable for their use, allowing them to live comfortably and safely. Here are some precautions and things to avoid:

       1. Avoid Different Floor Levels and Door Thresholds For elderly individuals who may not lift their legs high, walk unsteadily, or have shorter strides, especially those using canes or wheelchairs, the floors inside the home, including the bathroom, should be level to reduce the risk of tripping and falling. Older adults are generally more prone to falls, which can have serious consequences for their health and require close care. Therefore, prevention is the best approach. If different levels are necessary, they should be at an appropriate height (e.g., 10-15 cm) with clear indicators for the change in level. Additionally, outdoor surfaces should also be even without any bumps, including garden paths, dirt paths, and grassy areas, for safety.

Image: Avoid different floor levels or door thresholds in all areas of the home.

       

 2. Avoid Obstacles in Walkways or Stairs Elderly individuals may have changes in their physical condition, such as blurred vision and difficulty balancing, making it essential not to place objects or furniture that could obstruct walkways or stairs, which could lead to tripping and falling. This includes not only sharp-edged furniture but also fragile decorative items, such as glass or ceramic materials, which could cause injury if bumped into or if a fall occurs.

Image: Avoid placing objects or furniture that obstruct walkways or stairs.

       3. Avoid Slippery Flooring Materials Choose flooring materials that are flat but not slippery, such as in bedrooms or living rooms, and for outdoor areas. Soft but firm flooring materials can help reduce impact and provide better stability for elderly individuals while walking. For bathrooms, select tiles with a slip resistance rating (Slip Resistance) ranging from R9 to R13, with R10 being ideal for wet areas, to minimize accidents.

Image: Avoid using slippery flooring materials; choose flat materials that reduce impact and have appropriate slip resistance ratings.

       4. Avoid Dark Color Tones Use light-colored flooring and contrasting colors to help elderly individuals clearly distinguish between floors, walls, and various objects.

       5. Avoid Large Clear Glass Panels in sliding doors, hinged doors, or large fixed windows, as well as clear glass partitions in bathrooms, which may confuse elderly individuals with poor vision into thinking they are open spaces, leading to potential collisions. If unavoidable, consider adding frosted stickers with patterns for easier visibility.
 
       6. Avoid Water Features or Swimming Pools that may pose hazards for elderly individuals walking outside. If present, install safety rails or barriers near water features or pools to prevent falls.

Image: Avoid water features or swimming pools to prevent elderly individuals from falling in.

       7. Avoid Bathtubs in Bathrooms for the Elderly because bathtubs have higher edges than regular shower areas, and elderly individuals may find it challenging to step over them. Additionally, the smooth surfaces can lead to slips and falls. It is better to use a shower area that is level with the rest of the bathroom (with a slope of 1:200 for proper drainage) without a threshold between dry and wet zones (consider using a long drainage channel instead) and install a sturdy shower chair for comfort.

Image: Avoid using bathtubs in bathrooms for the elderly to reduce the risk of accidents.

       8. Avoid Furniture with Sharp Edges and Excessively Soft Materials such as tables, cabinets, beds, chairs, and counters should not have sharp corners or materials that may break easily upon impact, which could cause injury. Sofa cushions or chairs should be soft but not too soft to make sitting and standing difficult.

Image: Avoid choosing furniture with sharp corners that could pose dangers.

       9. Avoid Bright or Insufficient Lighting Bright lights can be harsh on the eyes, while insufficient lighting makes it difficult to see clearly. Therefore, choose appropriate lighting, such as soft light in bedrooms and bright white light in reading areas for clear visibility.

Thank you for the information from www.scgbuildingmaterials.com