When it’s time to move an older loved one into your home, you want to ensure a soft landing and to make the transition as comfortable as possible. Beyond decluttering and moving belongings, you’ll need to make some home modifications to ensure your senior’s safety in the new environment. Read on as we explore some budget-friendly ideas for creating a more senior-friendly home.
Refresh with Some New Items
Familiar belongings can make an unfamiliar space feel more like home. However, chances are in the course of sorting things, you’ll discover your loved one could use some replacement items. Perhaps the old California king size is being replaced with a full-size bed, or you want her to have new towels, house slippers, and some outfits for when you go out together, just because it feels good. When it’s time for some new things, a bit of shopping around can save big bucks. For instance, there are big retailers like Macys that have everything you could want, and you can find discounts to stretch your dollars as far as possible. The more you save, the more you have to spend on things like home improvements.
Surplus and Storage
Unless your senior is coming from an apartment or a similar space, she probably has more belongings than you have room for. To provide comfort and continuity, try to keep some of her core items the same as much as possible. For instance, you might want to move in her bedroom set, a favorite chair, and a few pieces of treasured wall art. Try to pare down on the non-essentials and items less loved, and then make room for the rest.
Even after editing, you might discover you simply lack space, yet can’t bring yourself to make your loved one part with things. Clutter is a safety concern for seniors, so it’s important to avoid trying to squeeze everything in. You might be able to rehome a few things with a relative who has uncommitted space, or perhaps rent a storage unit.
Unfortunately, GoBankingRates points out temporary storage units aren’t very cost-effective. Rather than renting a storage unit or living in a crowded space, installing a steel outbuilding can be an economical solution. Steel is durable, low-cost, and enjoys lower insurance rates than other materials. What’s more, a permanent addition can boost your home’s property value, so it’s a win all the way around.
Adjust the Space
Depending on the situation, you might need to make a number of adjustments to the space your loved one will spend the most time. Generally speaking, it’s important to perform some renovations to promote the most independence and safety for your senior. For instance, you’ll want at least one entryway to be accessible, and throughout your home, boosting light can mean better navigability. Similarly, wider doorways better accommodate walkers and wheelchairs.
Not all changes require a lot of money, nor a lot of expertise. For example, some simple and inexpensive solutions include things like swapping traditional hinges with offset ones to widen doors, installing brighter light bulbs and sheer curtains, and adding a portable wheelchair ramp to ease coming and going.
Even with some easy, low-cost changes, home renovations can add up quickly. As Daily Caring points out, you can get assistance from both local and national organizations with making changes with your senior in mind, and don’t hesitate to ask for discounts when you hire a contractor.
To make things easy, you can often purchase project supplies through retailers like Home Depot. You’ll save time by picking things out online, they have a price match guarantee, and they offer free pickup at the store. On top of all that, you can also make the arrangements through them for installation.
Moving an older loved one in with you is a big change for you both. It’s important to ensure things go as smooth as possible, without breaking the bank. Add some new treats, make room for comforting things, and adjust the space for safety. With a soft, secure landing ready, your senior will feel right at home in no time.
