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Inviting an elderly parent or in-law to live with you is a generous and loving choice.
Of course, there will be challenges, but there are some basic steps you can take to make your
home feel as comfortable and familiar as the one they just left.
To start, take a look at the living space from the viewpoint of your parent who may have limitations in dexterity,
strength, eyesight or hearing. From there, develop a plan to modify the space to accommodate these needs.
Keep in mind that some changes can be made incrementally, as the need arises. You may even wish to do some
research on “universal” or “transgenerational” design, which is an approach to creating an environment that’s suitable
for people of all ages and ranges of ability.
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Clear Pathways
If your parent uses a wheelchair or walker, a distance of at least 36 inches between objects is
recommended for best maneuverability. Remove anything that may clutter a pathway, including small
pieces of furniture, plants, magazine racks and area rugs. To help you find the best layout, check
out the Furniture.com RoomPlanner.
Kitchen Help
In the kitchen, place frequently used items at eye level to reduce the necessity for stepstools
or excessive reaching. Also helpful is a work area where chopping, mixing and slicing can be
done while sitting. This workstation doesn’t have to be large, and a simple table and chair will
do. If the kitchen is small, consider removing a lower cabinet or attaching a foldout tabletop
to the wall.
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Make clothing accessible in a low dresser
with drawers that can be opened with one
hand using cabinet-like drawer pulls.
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Look for chairs with firm cushions
and sturdy arms if your parent has
trouble getting up from super-plush
or low seated furniture.
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Ample Lighting
Make your parent feel at home with plenty of lighting options for favorite activities,
such as reading, needlework and watching TV. Wall switches that allow lights to be turned
on before moving through a room are especially recommended.
As long as the electrician is there to install switches, consider adding outlets to
eliminate the need for extension cords, which can be tripped over. Be sure to place some
outlets high on the wall, where someone with back pain or poor dexterity can easily reach
them. You may find easy-to-reach plugs are something you appreciate too.
Accessible Storage
Clothing or linens located high in a closet can be difficult to reach for someone with
poor balance. Instead, provide ample storage in accessible areas and consider lowering the
height of the closet bar. When choosing a dresser, look for handles that resemble cabinet handles,
or D-loops, that don’t require fine finger movements. Also, don’t be afraid to shop in children’s
furnishings, where many dressers have easy-rolling drawer guides and built-in safety stops.
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Comfortable Dining
If your parent has difficulty controlling their body posture, a chair that supports their
posture while at the dining table will be appreciated. Equally important is adequate
cushioning that’s securely fitted to the chair. If your parent is in a wheelchair, provide a
dining surface that’s positioned at the proper height.
Finally, invite your parent or in-law to share their ideas for the space, as well as how they
see themselves living in your home. If there’s time, invite them to stay in the space for a
trial run, and then make necessary adjustments before they move in.
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Bathroom Checklist
A trip to your local library is sure to provide volumes of information for creating a safe,
accessible bathroom. Here are just a few of the suggestions we found in our research:
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» Someone can unlock the door from the outside.
» The door opens out with a lever style door handle.
» Non-slip floor and bath tub surfaces.
» Towels can be reached while sitting in the tub.
» Grab bars are attached to wall studs.
» A telephone can be reached from the toilet and tub.
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