Staying at home when you get older is not always easy. Arranging your home according to your new needs, avoiding the risk of falls, securing your accommodation... These are all points that can be taken care of by a renovation professional such as Maisons SIC. But it is important to know what you want to change and how.
The importance of preparing for home care as early as possible by arranging your home
Maintaining seniors at home is a common aspiration, offering comfort and familiarity. However, it is crucial to prepare your home at the first signs of loss of autonomy.
Adapting the home not only ensures the safety of residents, but also preserve their independenceA suitable home environment significantly reduces the risk of accidents, such as falls, which can have serious consequences on the health and quality of life of seniors.
Statistics show that nearly 450 elderly people fall each year in France, mainly due to the unsuitability of their housing. Falls are responsible for many serious injuries, including fractures, which can lead to an even greater loss of independence.
The causes of these accidents are often trivial but avoidable, such as poor lighting, slippery carpets, or unmarked obstacles. Adapting your home can consist of simple measures, such as installing non-slip mats, grab bars or handrails on stairs.
The rooms in the house most at risk, like the bathroom, must be made safe as a priority. For example, a grab bar costs around 10 euros, while a bathtub with a door, which offers easier access, can cost up to 17 euros.
Development work should not be seen as a luxury, but as a necessity to ensure the safety of residents. Fortunately, financial aid exists, such as that of the National Housing Agency (Anah) and retirement insurance, to help finance these adaptations.
Why anticipate the work to improve your home?
It is crucial to start the home improvements before the loss of autonomy becomes too significantIdeally, this work should begin at the age of 65 yearsThis anticipation allows costs to be spread over time, making expenses more manageable and less stressful for those involved.
In addition, it allows residents to gradually get used to the changes from their environment, which can be psychologically beneficial.
Relatives of the elderly play a vital role in this preparation. They can help identify specific needs and plan the necessary accommodations. A proactive approach is particularly important because it helps to minimize the risk of accidents before they happen. In addition, older people are often reluctant to admit that they need help, preferring to maintain an image of independence. The intervention of loved ones can therefore facilitate the acceptance of necessary changes.
Home adaptation is a process that goes beyond simple physical security. It also includes aspects of comfort and practicality, such as easier access to everyday objects, improved lighting, and the removal of obstacles. These improvements contribute to a better quality of life by allowing residents to move freely and safely around their homes.
For all these reasons, planning work to renovate your home so that you can stay at home requires preparation by a professional. Maisons SIC, with over 50 years of experience in house construction, can help you: contact us!
Staying at home: what home improvement work is necessary?
Adapting the home for the elderly is essential to ensure their safety and independence. Falls are a major risk, often avoidable by simple adjustments.
The bathroom: the first place to renovate your home
The bathroom is the room most at risk for falls among the elderly. Elements such as non-slip floors, grab bars, and sufficient lighting are essential. Installing shower seats and bathtubs with doors makes it easier to get in and out.
These features are crucial to prevent accidents and improve the comfort of residents. A non-slip coating on the bottom of the bathtub or shower is a simple but effective measure. Equipment such as mixers are preferable to traditional faucets for easier handling.
Kitchen, bedroom, stairs: how to avoid falls?
The kitchen is another critical area where falls can occur. Approximately 25% of domestic accidents occur there, often due to slippery floors or poorly placed accessories. To secure this room, it is advisable to install shelves at accessible height, induction hobs, and non-slip mats.
In the bedroom, the furniture must be adjusted to facilitate night travel. A bed of adequate height, accessible controls and a layout that minimises movement are recommended. Removing bulky items and securing rugs also reduces risks.
Stairs are another high-risk area. Installation of handrails or stair lifts can greatly improve safety. Non-slip stair nosings and adequate lighting are also essential to prevent falls.
To carry out this work, it is crucial to choose competent professionals such as Maisons SICThey specialize in adapting housing for the elderly, guaranteeing quality interventions.
Anticipating these adjustments allows you to spread the costs and gradually get used to the changes, while benefiting from advice adapted to each situation.
Home automation: the little extras that help you stay at home
Home automation plays a crucial role in keeping elderly and disabled people at home. It offers increased security, improved comfort and facilitates daily management. These technologies can automate various aspects of the home, making life safer and more enjoyable for seniors.
One of the most common home automation solutions is automation of shutters, allowing them to be opened and closed remotely. This simplifies daily tasks and ensures better security. Teleassistance systems and surveillance cameras add an extra layer of protection, allowing for quick responses if a problem arises.
Storage with remote control and to lightings with motion detector are also very useful. They improve accessibility and reduce the risk of falls by ensuring good lighting. Height-adjustable planters even allow you to garden safely, without bending excessively.
Equipment such as stair lifts or elevators are larger but essential investments for a multi-level home. They provide safe mobility for people who have difficulty climbing stairs. In addition, ergonomic furniture, such as adjustable beds and seats, provide additional comfort by facilitating movement.
Smart thermostats and programmable lighting systems improve comfort by automatically adjusting temperature and lighting as needed. These systems can be controlled via mobile apps or voice commands, simplifying their use.
health tracking devices, such as smart blood pressure monitors or glucometers, allow health indicators to be monitored at home, alerting healthcare professionals if necessary.
What assistance is available for adapting your home to allow you to stay at home?
Setting up a home to support the elderly or disabled can be expensive. Fortunately, there are several financial aids available to support this work. Here is an overview of the main aids available and their criteria.
ANAH assistance
The National Agency for Housing Improvement (ANAH) offers the “Habiter Facile” aid. It finances up to 50% of the work, with a ceiling of 10 euros for very low incomes and 000 euros for low incomes. Beneficiaries must be owner-occupiers or landlords, and the work must aim to improve the accessibility or security of the home.
Retirement insurance assistance
The CNAV proposes “Aging Well at Home” assistance for general scheme retirees. It covers work such as installing walk-in showers, motorized shutters, or renovating floors. This aid is intended for people over 55, not eligible for APA or PCH, and the amounts are capped according to resources.
Tax credit
A 25% tax credit is available for accessibility and housing adaptation work. The expenditure ceiling is 5 euros for a single person and 000 euros for a couple, increased by 10 euros per dependent. This aid is intended for owners, tenants, or occupants free of charge.
Local and regional aid
Some local authorities offer additional assistance for home improvements. The criteria and amounts vary, so it is recommended to consult the local social action centre (CCAS) or ADIL for more information.
MaPrimeAdapt'
Effective since 2024, MaPrimeAdapt' simplifies the process and brings together several existing aids. It is intended for people aged over 70 or losing their autonomy, and covers up to 70% of the work, up to a limit of 22 euros excluding tax. This aid is distributed by the ANAH and is subject to resource conditions.
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Do you need adjustments to help you or a loved one stay at home?
Maisons SIC peut manage some of your renovation work. Contact us!
