In 2023, there are more senior people than at any other time in history. This is great, as it allows for better intergenerational relationships in families, but for older people, it can create challenges when it comes to staying in their homes. 

Indeed, as someone ages, the chances of ailments like arthritis developing go up, and so many people opt to adapt their current homes rather than move. What are some of the best ways to do this? Read on to find out!

New Mattress

Sleep is extremely important, especially when you have arthritis, so one of the first ways that you can improve your home is to upgrade the mattress in your bedroom. You may think that a memory foam mattress may be the best choice here, but for many people who have arthritis, a firmer mattress, like the ones found at reinforcedbeds.co.uk is the best option.

Handrails

Handrails are a boon for many people with arthritis, as they allow them to stand up with ease and without discomfort. Of course, most people associate handrails with being placed in a bathroom, but you can have them fitted in every room in the house. Just make sure that if they’re fitted in the living space, the dining area, or the kitchen, that they’re firmly screwed into place.

Lighting

When you need to get up at four a.m. to go to the toilet, the last thing you want is to fall over in the dark. In this circumstance, many people do use the flashlight on their phone to navigate, but in the event that you don’t have your phone, to prevent falls, you can install lighting on the outside of your room. 

In many cases, this is motion detection lighting, which is placed on the stairs, so when you move about on the landing, the lights will come on. 

Non-Slip Flooring

A wet floor is going to cause most people to slip if they’re in a rush. If someone in your home has arthritis, or you have it, then you may not be aware of the shuffling motion that can come from this condition. This motion can help you to get around, but it also increases the chance of you falling over.

So, in the kitchen, the hallway, and the bathroom, make sure there’s non-slip flooring installed. This flooring often acts like lino and can be very visually appealing while also being safe. Great!

Bathroom Upgrade

When a person is older and may be suffering from arthritis, there are two places in the home where they’re more likely to have an accident. The first is the stairs (a health hazard for most people), and the second area is the bathroom. 

Bathrooms are quite dangerous places for people who have severe arthritis, as you often have to step over the rim of the bathtub to get into it, the floors are slippery, and the toilets are low.

All of this increases the chance of a fall, meaning that in order to improve your home when you or another member of your household has arthritis, you should start with the bathroom. Install grab rails around the toilet, have a raised toilet seat fitted, change out that bathtub for a walk-in shower, and, as mentioned earlier, make sure the flooring is non-slip.