How to Make Tiny Homes for Senior Citizens Safe

Whether you’re in the market to purchase a tiny home or your loved one already has a tiny home, tiny homes for elderly parents and senior citizens can be an excellent idea for those who would like to age in place. In addition to aging in place, tiny homes for disabled adults also provide many advantages.

Living options for your aging parents may be limited, particularly if they want their own space and privacy. In addition, in-home caregivers can be quite expensive and may not be covered by insurance. While the smaller space and lack of stairs help protect against falls, there are other safety modifications to keep in mind for tiny houses for older adults. Read on to learn more about tiny homes for senior citizens and how to make them as safe as possible.

Tiny Homes for Senior Citizens: Top Modifications to Consider

One of the first safety modifications to consider for tiny houses for senior citizens is a wheelchair ramp. Tiny houses are, by design, safer than homes with stairs and multiple floors, but a wheelchair will still have difficulty crossing the threshold. Multiple ramps may be needed if there are several entrances to the home. This makes tiny homes safer, but it also offers independence and mobility. Another addition that may be helpful is a power lift recliner, which allows your loved one to relax and stand up/sit down safely. 

Tiny Homes for Senior Citizens: Other Considerations

There are other modifications to consider with tiny homes. Depending on your loved one and their needs, you may want to consider:

• Video monitors so you can monitor safety
• Having grab bars installed in the shower or bath
• Digital monitors to remind your loved one to take their medication, etc.
• Motion-activated floor lighting

If you’re building a tiny home for your elderly parents from scratch, you may want to ensure that kitchen counters are at an easy height (no reaching or grabbing), that there are door handles instead of doorknobs, and that non-slip flooring is placed throughout the home. 

Types of Tiny Homes for Senior Citizens

If you’re considering building a tiny home for your elderly parents, there are several types to choose from. All can be easily modified to be safe for your loved one.

Granny pods are similar to an “in-law,” except granny pods are a modular home erected in the backyard of the caregiver. These are built for one but can be suitable for an older couple. Depending on the size, they typically have full bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, and a bedroom (or sleeping area). With virtual monitoring, you can keep a close eye on your loved ones without invading their space. However, before erecting a granny pod, it’s a good idea to check your town’s zoning laws.

Elder cottages are similar to a granny pod and offer many of the same features, however, elder cottages are often erected as a temporary measure. (For example, your loved one has an injury or illness that will heal in time—elder cottages are easily moved to a different location, while granny pods are not).

Another type of small house senior living is a MEDCottage. This type of tiny home for senior citizens is not a freestanding unit and is connected to the caregiver’s home (similar to an “in-law”). These are the smallest of the tiny homes but offer high-tech features to help keep your loved one safe, such as defibrillators, medication dispensers, air filtration systems, lighted floorboards, video monitoring systems, and more. MEDCottages are prefabricated, and they are simple enough for you to install yourself, or you can hire a contractor.

To learn more about tiny homes for elderly parents and senior citizens and how to keep them safe, or to hear about mobility products that can be life-changing, contact Williams Lift Co. today. We want caregivers and their loved ones to live their best lives possible.