1. Ramps and wider doorways: Installing ramps instead of steps and wider doorways is essential for seniors who need to use walkers, wheelchairs or mobility aids to move around the facility.
2. Slip-resistant flooring: slip-resistant flooring, particularly in high-risk areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and main living spaces, is important to prevent falls.
3. Handrails and grab bars: Having handrails and grab bars installed in strategic locations throughout the building, especially in the bathroom, can provide needed support for seniors.
4. Adequate lighting: Adequate lighting is necessary to prevent trips and falls, particularly at night.
5. Accessible bathrooms: All bathrooms should be wheelchair accessible, with grab bars, slip-resistant floors, enough space for a wheelchair, shower seats, and hand-held showerheads.
6. Wider hallways and spacious rooms: Wide hallways allow seniors to move around the facility freely, without fear of running into obstacles. Spacious rooms make it easier for seniors to navigate their way around, with room for extra mobility aids.
7. Elevators and stairs: Elevators should be installed to provide easy access to all floors of the building. For seniors who can use stairs, they should be well lit, with sturdy handrails.
8. Avoiding unnecessary obstacles: Removing unnecessary obstacles such as furniture that could cause stumbling or getting tangled with mobility aids.
9. Lever door handles: Lever door handles are easier to operate than round doorknobs for seniors with arthritis or limited grip strength.
10. Clear signages: clear signages should be installed throughout the building to help seniors better navigate their way around.
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