Watching your parents move into a smaller home can stir up a mix of emotions, from excitement about a fresh start to concern about their comfort and safety. Downsizing isn’t just about having less space, it’s about creating a home that helps them live happily and confidently as they age.
→ Assess Safety Hazards
A quick safety check can make all the difference. Take a slow walk through each room with your parents and look for anything that could cause a trip or fall.
Common hazards include loose rugs, clutter, or uneven flooring. Replace or remove these where possible and consider using non-slip mats in key areas.
Installing grab bars near the toilet and in the shower can greatly reduce the risk of falls and make daily routines easier. A shower chair or bench can also add extra support.
Make sure hallways, stairs, and entrances are well-lit. Motion-sensor lights are an easy way to make nighttime navigation safer and simpler.
These small updates might not seem like much now, but they can help your parents stay independent and give everyone peace of mind.
→ Accessibility Features
As your parents’ mobility and physical abilities change, their home should be able to change with them. The goal is to help them stay comfortable and independent for as long as possible.
If possible, choose a home without stairs, with a bedroom and a full bathroom on the ground floor.
If your parents use a walker or wheelchair, wider doorways make moving around easier. You may need to install wider doors or ensure hallways are clear of obstacles.
Thankfully, many of these features are now supported by the National Construction Code (NCC) 2022, which includes new requirements for liveable housing design. These include reducing steps where possible, creating more space in bathrooms, widening doorways, and providing for future adaptations such as adding grab rails.
Source: NCC Livable Housing Design Requirements
Large open spaces make it easier to move through the home, especially for those using mobility aids. Open-plan living areas are a great option.
You can also replace traditional doorknobs and tapware with lever-style handles that are easier to use, especially for those with arthritis or reduced hand strength.
→ Adapt the Bathroom
The bathroom is one of the most common places for accidents, but it’s also one of the easiest rooms to make safer. A walk-in shower with a built-in seat and grab bars is often the best option. If your parents prefer to keep a bathtub, consider adding a transfer bench and anti-slip mats for added safety. A raised toilet seat can make sitting and standing much easier, particularly for those with joint pain or limited mobility. Non-slip tiles or vinyl flooring can also help reduce the risk of slipping when wet. At Lansell Homes, many of our downsizers choose to remove the bathtub and use the extra space for a roomy walk-in shower that is both stylish and practical.
→ User-Friendly Kitchen
The kitchen is often the heart of the home, even when it’s a little smaller. Designing it for ease and comfort means your parents can keep enjoying the routines they love, whether that’s making tea, baking, or preparing meals together. Install pull-out shelves, drawers, or lazy Susans so items are easy to reach without bending or stretching. A wall oven can also make cooking safer and reduce the need to bend down. Good lighting is important too, especially if vision changes become an issue.
→ Comfortable Living Spaces
Make sure your parents’ new home feels cosy and supportive. Invest in furniture that provides both comfort and stability, such as chairs with strong arms, firm cushions, and the right height for sitting and standing comfortably. Memory foam cushions or a comfortable recliner can help relieve pressure on joints and make everyday living more enjoyable. It’s also worth ensuring the home is energy efficient and easy to heat and cool so your parents stay comfortable throughout the seasons.
→ Smart Home Appliances
Technology can be a wonderful help for older adults, even if it feels unfamiliar at first. Voice-controlled devices like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant can let your parents control lights, locks, and appliances with simple spoken commands. They can even use them to call for help if needed. Smart lighting that can be operated by voice or remote control can be especially helpful for those who have trouble getting up or moving around at night.When we moved into this smaller house a couple of years ago, I was still getting around just fine. I didn’t think about things like grab bars back then. But now, I use a walker daily, and little things have become much harder. Thankfully, my son noticed and stepped in to help. We sat down and talked about what was giving me trouble. Before I knew it, he was putting up grab bars by the back door, the toilet, and the shower. What a difference that made! He also saw that the living room was too cramped for me to move around easily. So, he rearranged the furniture to give me more space. At first, I wasn’t sure, I never liked the idea of a sofa in front of the window. But once I started walking around, I realised how much better it was for both me and his dad. Because of his help, we don’t have to move again. I know we’ll need to make more changes as time goes on, but I feel good knowing we can stay in this home.
