Make Your Living Room Senior-Friendly

Today, I'd like to bring attention to a very important topic, which is creating a living space that caters to the specific needs and preferences of seniors. As I recently embarked on a mission to modify my parents' living room, I've gathered a wealth of practical insights that I believe can be beneficial to many.

Let’s dive into the simple, yet transformative modifications you can introduce to a living room setting, ensuring comfort and ease of mobility for our cherished seniors.

Antique Furniture with a Twist

My parents own a delightful collection of antique furniture sourced from South Africa, which not only serves as a rich historical reminder but also imparts a unique character to the living room. However, the initial setup had one downside - the chairs and couches were pretty low, a feature that might make it difficult for seniors to use comfortably.

To counter this, I introduced a modification that was both ingenious and simple. Here is how I went about it:

Elevating Furniture for Easy Access

Furniture Risers: These handy tools are typically used to elevate beds but work just as efficiently for chairs and couches. By placing the furniture on top of these risers, I was able to increase the height of the seating arrangements to a level that was comfortable for my dad.

Assisting with Mobility

Easy Stander: This is an extremely user-friendly tool that can be a true game changer. It is designed to slide in between the cushions of the couch, providing handles that assist individuals in standing up with ease. It is simple to install and doesn't disrupt the existing aesthetic of your living room.

Keeping the Aesthetics Intact

One of the significant advantages of these modifications is that they do not interfere with the original charm and beauty of the antique furniture. The alterations are almost invisible and blend seamlessly with the setup, preserving the visual appeal while enhancing functionality and comfort.

Future Plans: A Home That Cares

In this mission to create a senior-friendly home, the living room was just the starting point. With the successful implementation of these modifications, I am now motivated to explore other rooms and identify equipment and alterations that can make every corner of the home caring and accessible for seniors.

Stay tuned as we journey through different spaces, unearthing simple solutions that make a big difference in the daily lives of our loved ones.

Remember, creating a home that caters to the needs of seniors does not have to be a complex process involving major overhauls. Sometimes, small, thoughtful changes can go a long way in ensuring comfort and happiness.

Thank you for joining me today, and I look forward to sharing more insights with you all as we venture into other rooms equipped with solutions to foster a nurturing environment for our seniors.

Stay tuned for more updates and feel free to share your own experiences and tips in the comments section below.

Until next time, take care and keep innovating!

If you would like more information on how to help a parent living with dementia, join our next free workshop here.

Read More:

Coping with Mom’s Dementia When She Accuses You of Stealing

Making Your Bathroom Senior-Friendly: A Guide to Quick and Affordable Modifications

Disclaimer: These blogs, videos and any work done by Lizette Cloete OT, as a Member of Think Different Dementia, LLC, is given only as educational content and consulting work. This does not create an Occupational Therapist-Patient Relationship. The educational content and consulting work performed should not be considered medical treatment as an Occupational Therapist. The consulting work does not take the place of medical work normally performed by a licensed Occupational Therapist. Please consult a licensed Occupational Therapist for medical advice.

“Think Different” Dementia’s owner, Lizette Cloete, OTR/L graduated as an Occupational Therapist from the University of Pretoria in South Africa in 1992. She and her husband emigrated to the USA in 1993, and currently reside in South Carolina. They have 2 daughters and one son-in-love, 4 cats, one dog and 16 chickens.

Lizette has almost 30 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist in a variety of settings, the latest being in the home health environment. Among her many accomplishments, she served on the South Carolina Occupational Therapy Association’s Board of Directors from 2008-2014. She enjoys teaching on the topic of dementia, most recently presenting at a national conference on the topic “Dementia Made Simple”