One of our more popular senior concierge services is helping clients downsize their new homes. As part of that service, we can help create a brand-new floor plan based on the new location and the existing furniture. We can even help clients select new furniture better suited to their new homes if necessary.
When coming up with a new floor plan, it is imperative to arrange furnishings in such a way as to maintain safety. This is especially true when dealing with seniors. According to the National Institutes of Health, 60% of all falls among older Americans occur at home. Many of those falls are the direct result of a poor floor plan that limits mobility.
Here are the most important things to consider when coming up with a new plan for your home:
- Walking Space – There needs to be enough room to safely walk between furniture pieces, down hallways, around corners, and through the kitchen. Seniors need to be especially cognizant of walking space if they require aids such as canes and walkers.
- Lighting – Some falls are the result of inadequate lighting. When coming up with a new floor plan, avoid placing furniture items in such a way as to minimize the amount of natural sunlight that can penetrate a room. In rooms that are dark, make sure adequate lighting is present.
- Access to Items – There are some items you may need access to on a regular basis. For example, consider the lamp you use for reading while in your favorite chair. That lamp should be easily accessible whether you are sitting in your chair or standing next to it. Position it so you don’t have to reach too far to turn it on and off.
- Access the Furniture – Seniors should take into account that they may need quick access to furniture as they get older. In the living room, that means placing sofas and chairs as close to high traffic areas as possible. In the bedroom, it means placing the bed as close to the door as possible without inhibiting traffic flow.
Other things to consider include making sure carpeting is fully affixed to the floor, installing handrails and grab bars were necessary, utilizing non-slip strips on floors, and placing non-slip rubber mats in tubs and showers.
When New Furniture Is Required
You may need to seriously consider new furniture if your move is precipitated by a desire to downsize. The reality is that the furniture in your home might just be too big or too voluminous to fit in a smaller apartment or condo. But don’t worry, we can help you select comfortable furniture that will fit your floor plan without breaking your budget.
Should you decide to choose new furniture, keep in mind a couple of things. First, select furniture pieces that have as few sharp corners as possible. Sharp corners can be very dangerous in the event of a fall. Also, look for pieces that you can get in and out of easily. A sofa that swallows you and your guests is really not a good idea.
Lastly, try to find pieces that are multi-functional. For example, you can buy a brand-new bed frame with built-in storage underneath. Multipurpose furniture is an excellent option when moving from a larger home to a smaller apartment.
Are you preparing to move in the near future? If so, let My Divine Concierge be your helper. We can do everything from packing your home to moving it to unpacking it on the other end. You just show up at the end of the day to a brand-new home where you can relax and be at peace.