Moving into a new home with your elderly parents or grandparents? Then consider an elderly-friendly home design to help them get around easily. Here is a list of recommendations by the Building & Construction Authority (BCA), plus a few other tips we have found for you.
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1. Kitchen.Install a tap that comes with a level handle and a flexible, extendable pull-out hose for convenience. Also consider choosing an induction cooker hob instead of a gas cooker hob for safety reasons. |
| 2. BedroomWardrobes should be at a suitable height to ensure easy access for elders, especially if they get around in wheelchairs. Install two-way switches at a maximum height of 1.2 m above floor level, with one switch near the bed and the other near the bedroom door to ensure they do not have to cross the room to flip a switch. If that is not possible, a bedside lamp is highly recommended. |
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3. Living roomEnsure a minimum manoeuvring space of 1.25 m by 1.5 m at your home’s main entrance, and keep the circulation path and entrances free of any obstacles. Install eye-viewers at an appropriate height on the main door, as well as visual doorbells that come with vibration or light indicators. An audio feature would come in handy if you live with a hearing-impaired elderly parent or grandparent. |
| 4. BathroomInstall a shower head that can be adjusted to different heights, and taps with level handles. Emergency aids, such as a call bell, are also useful. The call bell should be equipped with a waterproof push-button or pull-chord, and should be in a colour that contrasts with its background for easy detection. You could also install a metal plate at the bathroom door that allows it to open both ways in an emergency. If necessary, put in a bath / shower chair so the elderly can bathe or shower in comfort. |
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5. LightingMake sure there is adequate lighting (natural and artificial), as an elderly person typically needs two to three times more illumination than a younger person. Avoid direct glare from sunlight by screening the windows, and cut down on reflected glare by reducing reflective surfaces on floors and walls, and keeping mirrors away from light sources. |
| 6. FloorThere should not be any sudden drop or variation in floor level. Floors should also be stable, firm, slip-resistant and kept dry as much as possible. Avoid using reflective surfaces such as marble, granite or glazed tiles as they could be hazardous when wet, greasy or highly polished. In places like the bathroom, a non-slip mat should be provided. |
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