Comfort and safety as needs change
Many people want to stay in their own homes as they get older. Needs vary widely: one person may be fit and active, while another has trouble with balance, strength or joints. This article offers general furnishing ideas and is not medical guidance. For advice about a specific person, an occupational therapist or doctor can assess the home and the individual.
Modular furniture suits this situation because needs can change. A piece you can move, add to or reduce is easier to adapt than a fixed one, which may no longer fit in a few years.
Choose seating that is easy to get out of
Getting up from a seat is something many people take for granted until it becomes difficult. A few general points are worth considering:
- Seat height. A seat that is very low can be hard to rise from, while one that is too high may leave feet dangling. The right height depends on the person, and a seat that lets feet rest flat on the floor with knees roughly level with the hips is often comfortable.
- Firmness. Very soft cushions can sink, making standing up harder. Firmer padding generally gives more support. Cushion fill and seat depth are worth checking before buying.
- Arms. Sturdy armrests at a comfortable height give something to push against when rising.
- Seat depth. A seat that is too deep can make it hard to sit back properly and to get up again.
- Stability. Chairs and sofas should not slide, tip or flex when someone leans on them.
Modular seating lets you adjust the arrangement, and some systems allow you to add a firm cushion, a raised section or an extra armrest. If you can, try a seat in person before choosing it.
Keep pathways clear
A common cause of falls at home is tripping on things in the way. Arranging furniture so the main routes are open is one of the simplest steps toward safety.
- Keep pathways between the bed, bathroom, kitchen and favorite chair free of obstacles. Thinking through traffic flow before positioning furniture helps.
- Leave enough width for a walker, cane or other aids to pass if they are used. The exact space varies by equipment, so measure.
- Avoid low coffee tables and stools in walkways, since they are easy to miss.
- Remove loose rugs, or fix them with non-slip backing and flat edges. Rugs with curling corners are a trip hazard.
- Tuck cables away along walls and use lamps near outlets.
A floor plan drawn on paper helps you see routes clearly before moving heavy pieces.
Prefer stable, solid pieces
Older adults sometimes use furniture for support, steadying themselves on the back of a chair or the edge of a table. It is therefore sensible to prioritize stability.
- Choose items with a wide, solid base that do not wobble when pushed.
- Secure tall units to the wall using fixings suited to your wall type and following the maker’s instructions. The basics of wall anchors vary by material.
- Avoid relying on lightweight or folding furniture for support unless it is designed for it.
- Check weight limits on shelves and drawers, and avoid overloading.
- Look for rounded corners and edges on tables and cabinets where possible.
Furniture that is wobbly or has loose joints should be tightened or repaired.
Bring things within easy reach
Reaching up high or bending low can be tiring or risky. Arrange storage so everyday items sit at a comfortable middle height, roughly between hip and shoulder for many people.
- Use drawers or pull-out shelves in place of deep cupboards, so contents come to you.
- Keep heavy items low, but not on the floor, and light items higher.
- Avoid step stools and climbing for storage whenever possible.
- Open shelving for frequent items saves opening doors.
- Choose handles that are easy to grip, including for people with arthritis or weak hands.
Modular shelving with adjustable heights can be set to suit the person and adjusted again later.
Improve lighting and visibility
Eyesight often changes with age, so good room lighting helps. Place lamps next to seating and beds, use light switches that are easy to reach, and consider night lights for the route to the bathroom. Contrast helps too: a seat that stands out from the floor color or a handle that contrasts with a cabinet door is easier to see. Avoid glare from glossy surfaces if bright light bothers the person.
Bedroom considerations
A bed that is a comfortable height for getting in and out, with space beside it, is usually helpful. A bedside unit within reach can hold glasses, medication and a lamp. Medication should be stored safely and as directed by a pharmacist or doctor. Keep the route from bed to bathroom clear and well lit.
Make adjustments gradually
You do not need to redo the whole house at once. Start with the areas where the person spends the most time, and make changes one at a time. Ask the person using the furniture what feels difficult, since they will often know exactly where the problems are. Involve family members, and consider professional advice for larger changes.
Furniture that can be reconfigured gives you room to adapt. A shelf can be lowered, a unit moved, a seat replaced. That ability to adjust over time is perhaps the strongest argument for choosing modular pieces in a home that should stay comfortable for years to come.