If you are decorating for someone of advanced years, you may be interested to know that ageing greatly affects the decorating process. For example, sofas and chairs should neither be too low nor too plush so that seniors do not have difficulty sitting down or getting up. Furniture should be sturdy so that it can support the weight of a senior who may need to lean on it for balance, but sharp edges and glass are better avoided. When laying out the furniture, allow adequate space between the pieces so that the senior can move easily within and out of the room.
Ageing may cause diminishing eyesight so all rooms and hallways need to be well lit. Not only should there be plenty of overhead lighting and lamps, but lights need to be easy to switch on and off and light bulbs should be of a high enough wattage to eliminate dark areas. Avoid using small scatter rugs and hide all dangling cords from appliances in order to prevent tripping. Use different colors and textures on the walls, furniture and flooring so that the senior can more easily distinguish between these surfaces.
Everyone wants to be comfortable at home… regardless of age. If you are decorating for someone of advanced years, keep these limitations in mind and you’ll be able to more easily create an environment that is not only comfortable but also safe.