Bedroom Design
For families with elderly members, it's best to have their bedroom on the ground floor to avoid stairs, which can be tough on aging joints and increase the risk of falling. If your home has multiple stories, consider installing a home elevator to make moving around easier and safer.
The ideal bed height for seniors is between 45–50 cm (from floor to the top of the mattress). A bed that’s too low can be hard to get up from, while one that’s too high may cause balance issues. Choose a mattress that’s not too soft so it doesn’t sink too much, making it easier to shift positions.
If your loved one has knee problems, a wooden bed frame at a moderate height combined with a 10 cm thick latex mattress can offer both comfort and support.
Ensure there's at least 70 cm of space on both sides of the bed so that seniors can move around comfortably—even with a walker or wheelchair.
Bathroom Design
The bathroom is one of the most accident-prone areas due to slippery and wet floors. A flat, step-free design between dry and wet zones is best. Use non-slip tiles or special rubber mats to improve safety.
Install sturdy grab bars on both sides of the toilet, in the shower area, and near the sink. Avoid suction-cup or adhesive types as they may come loose.
Opt for a toilet that’s slightly higher than average—about 45–48 cm—to make sitting down and standing up easier.
Kitchen Design
Seniors often experience back pain or weak hands, so it’s important to design the kitchen in a way that reduces bending down or reaching overhead.
Stick to lower cabinets and easy-slide drawers. Everyday items like kettles, spices, and small pots should be stored within arm’s reach—about 80–110 cm from the floor.
Organize kitchenware based on usage: place heavier items like pots and pans in lower cabinets, and lighter things like plastic containers up higher.
If space allows, a small wheeled kitchen island can be helpful—it lets seniors sit while prepping food and makes it easier to spend time chatting with the family.
Materials and Safety
Use non-slip laminated wood flooring instead of glossy tiles. If you want to use rugs, choose thin ones that lay flat and secure the edges to avoid tripping.
Furniture like chairs, tables, and bedside cabinets should have rounded corners to reduce the risk of injury. Lighting should be bright but gentle on the eyes and evenly distributed throughout the house. Install soft motion-sensor lights in hallways and near entrances for safer nighttime movement.
Go for light or neutral colors with enough contrast to help seniors clearly distinguish steps, floor edges, or door handles.
Devices and Support Features
Place switches and outlets about 60 cm above the floor for easier access. Choose devices with large, easy-to-read buttons—or consider voice-controlled systems if your elderly family members are comfortable with technology.
Install emergency call buttons or pull cords in the bathroom and beside the bed. These can be connected to a family member’s phone for immediate alerts if anything happens.
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