Set The Stage: Interior Design for Aging Adults | Senior Helpers San Antonio North
Skip main navigation
Serving San Antonio, The Hill Country, and surrounding areas.
Type Size
Serving San Antonio, The Hill Country, and surrounding areas.
Past main navigation Contact Us

Set The Stage: Interior Design for Aging Adults

 

What are some of your favorite places and spaces? Think about what makes you feel welcomed, relaxed, and joyful. June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month and for those living with brain change and different abilities, there are many things to consider for interior design as we age. Let’s discuss a few elements you can mix into your space to set the stage for success.

Safety First

The first step is to scan your space and eliminate hazards. The most obvious would be floor clutter and tripping hazards such as cables, rugs, mats, or thresholds. Look for anything hanging or sticking out such as a light fixture or shelf that would get in someone's way if they aren’t paying attention or when it’s dark. This will help avoid falls and accidents to help ensure a safe space to traverse. Consider the person’s needs and abilities to adapt the space to their functional needs for safety and independence.

The 5 Senses (sight, hearing, touch, smell, taste)

Consider sensory elements in the area that could be helpful or overwhelming. Depending on the person, they may experience diminished senses that affect their perspective.

Lighting is very important not only for safety but also for mindset and routine. Natural light and a well-lit environment are beneficial for our mental health, vitamin D level, and safety. Try uplighting to help eliminate shadows and for a less intense look. Nightlights are helpful for pathways to avoid accidents. There are many types of smart lights that work with an app to customize them to fit your needs.

In a dining setting consider basic dishes that contrast with food so you can easily see what you’re eating. Avoid distractions such as TV or loud music so the person can focus on their meal. Think about the contrast and colors of the walls, ceilings, floors, and what your eyes are drawn to. Visual cues can help initiate tasks and stay on schedule. For example, markings on the floor for mobility direction and room/item labels.

Listen for what you hear around your space that could be distracting or make someone anxious. There are several easy ways to help soundproof or dampen a room that can eliminate echoes such as curtains or acoustic panels. Voice-activated devices can be helpful for people to call or send messages, play media, reminders, and many other tasks.

Depending on physical abilities look for furniture at the right height and with assistive textures if the person needs soft padding, slippery, non-slip textures, or clearance for medical equipment. Doorways and thresholds may need to be adjusted or widened. Consider grab bars, easy grip knobs, and assistive devices for manipulating objects. 

Lastly, consider the person’s ability to smell and taste things. These senses can trigger memories of our childhood, nature adventures, someone’s perfume, or a family member’s cooking. Scents are unique to people what may smell good to one person may be foul to someone else. Usually less is more and it’s best to avoid strong odors such as cleaning products, room spray, or extra laundry scents. Fragrance can also trigger irritation for sensitive skin. 

Senior Helpers now makes it easier for families to truly understand the care needs of their loved ones. We are the only homecare agency offering a revolutionary new way to approach senior care with our exclusive LIFE Profile (Life, Independence, Function, Evaluation) Assessment.  LIFE Profile is a data-driven assessment tool that provides a holistic view of the risks and factors that influence a loved one’s ability to age in their own home.

Resources

Senior Helpers LIFE Profile Assessment https://www.seniorhelpers.com/tx/san-antonio-north/life-profile/

Positive Approach to Care - Learn About Dementia https://teepasnow.com/about-dementia/