How to set up a comfortable and convenient flat for an elderly person in Cyprus

Respect, care and special attention for the elderly is characteristic of every nation on our planet.

As people age, they find it increasingly difficult to cope with everyday problems. Joint mobility and muscle tone decrease, hearing, vision and reaction time deteriorate, and chronic diseases become more common. One way to show your concern for the elderly is to make your home suitable for them. This blog presents a number of solutions for this task.

General arrangements

The best neighbourhood for an elderly person is one where shops, pharmacies and medical facilities are within walking distance. A park or public garden near the house, where elderly people like to walk, is welcome. Do not choose a high floor, as the vestibular apparatus does not work perfectly in old age. The style of the home and the architectural solutions should be agreed with the person or people who will live in the home. The floor should be flat, without steps or thresholds, and non-slip. This applies especially to the kitchen and bathroom. Cables, extension cords and mats should not be laid on the floor, except for non-slip mats in bathrooms.

Storage areas for household items should not be too high or too low, so that the elderly person does not have to reach or bend down to get what they need. If older people use a chair, crutches or cane, there should be no obstacles in their way and the rooms they need should be easily accessible. Doors should be at least 80-90 cm wide. If the flat or house has several floors, the elderly person's room should be on the lowest floor. Furniture should be strong and stable, with no protruding parts. It can be secured to the floor or walls to prevent accidental falls or bumps. Objects with sharp edges and glassware should be removed from the interior. It is best to keep the number of items of furniture and accessories to a minimum. Furniture handles should be easy to grip.

Adequate lighting should be provided in each room. Cyprus is a country with many sunny days and if an elderly person has eye problems, the bright rays of the sun should not be allowed into the rooms. Thick curtains and blinds, tinted windows and other means should be used, and sockets and switches should have their own lighting. At the same time, dimmers can be installed instead of ordinary switches to regulate the brightness of the light. On the way to the bathroom, it is advisable to install task lighting. It is a good idea to install gas and smoke detectors (especially in the kitchen). The intercom should work properly so that the elderly person can see or hear the visitor. If the elderly person wishes, it is necessary to set up a room for storing things that are dear to them (photos, collections) or a small workshop at home. Next, we will look at the peculiarities of the layout of each room.

Bedroom

The bedroom is where older people usually spend most of the day. First of all, it is necessary to choose a bed, the height of which should not be lower than the level of the knees of the person sleeping on it, and a mattress of medium hardness. This is a very important piece of furniture, because even young people spend a third of their life on it, while older people spend much more. If necessary, replace ordinary pillows with orthopaedic pillows to relax and adjust the cervical spine. Upholstered furniture should not be lower than 45-50 cm and should not "bounce". It is desirable to have armrests on which you can lean. A bedside cabinet or table for medicines, glasses and other frequently used items should of course be placed beside the bed.

Kitchen

The kitchen can be a scary dangerous, especially for an older person. There is always the possibility of breaking or spilling something, and keeping it clean requires constant effort. The height of the work surface (worktop) is chosen on the basis of the user's physical data. The best option is to install two surfaces, one for standing and one for sitting. The top of the furniture should be accessible and not too high. Household appliances should be placed so that there is no need to stretch or strain to find them. Make sure the older person knows how to use the appliances. Chairs should be high enough (about 50 cm) and have backrests, and tables should be sturdy so that they can be leaned against if necessary.

Bathroom

Handrails should be installed in certain areas of the room to prevent falls or slips. The bathtub is difficult and uncomfortable for older people to use, so it should be replaced by a shower enclosure, preferably level with the floor. Handrails are also required. Special non-slip mats should be placed on the floor where water can collect. If necessary, the shower cubicle should be equipped with a seat so that hygiene procedures do not burden the elderly user. Grab bars should also be installed near the toilet bowl. If a person uses a cane or crutches, a special hook or clip should be provided.

Balcony or veranda

If the elderly person's access to the outdoors is limited, it is advisable to plant live plants on the balcony. This is possible in Cyprus. Railings should be of sufficient height. If transparent glass panels are used to limit the outside area of the flat, they should be marked with yellow circles, flowers in front of them or in some other way.

The measures described above aim to create living conditions in which older people can stay in the home comfortably and safely without assistance. At the same time, such conditions should be created throughout the home so that it does not become a prison. And remember, efforts to create appropriate living conditions for the elderly will be appreciated.

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