Ideas for futureproofing a flat for father in law

[Geneticsbunny]

We are refurbishing a flat for my father in law, who is still very active, but it seems like it would be sensible to put things in place now to futureproof it as much as possible. So far am thinking, higher level oven, bidet loo and wet room shower with space for a chair. Any other suggestions? Anything like grab rails we can add when needed so only after stuff which needs major work to add in.

Higher loo.

Width of doorways/any hallways is a big one, if the flat is modern they may already be ok but worth checking. Read up on required space for wheelchairs.

Yep. Good call on the loo. Pretty sure the door frames are ok. Flat is about 20 years old. Will check though.

Is there step free access, is the flat close to somewone who could support him if needed.
Ring doorbells are amazing for older people.

Have an equal mix of both high kitchen cupboards and base units, and if there are any corner ones, fit the twirly carousel thing to access stuff at the back.

Yes read up on turning circles.

Galley kitchens are a nightmare for example!

Doorways wide enough for a wheel chair or hospital bed. Kitchen counter height as well as oven/microwave height suitable for wheelchair access and/or easy to keep clean. Induction hobs are no good if you have a pacemaker fitted. Consider a hot water tap instead of a kettle as wrist strength can decline with age. Dishwasher and washing machine with large easy to read buttons. A high contrast colour scheme can reduce risk of bumps and falls and help someone as their cognitive ability declines. Minimise clear glass on doors or cupboards, either use acrylic or safety glass. Things like video doorbells and cameras can help carers who live far away support an older person living alone.

Does the flat have easy access from the street level? Where is the nearest parking space? Could a taxi or community transport/ambulance park close by if needed?

What hobbies does FIL enjoy and are they easy to do or get to from the flat?

I would consider putting in things like grab rails now so other furniture is fitted around them. From personal experience living with someone with an increasing disability, getting them to agree to have these things fitted can take a while. Get ahead of absolutely everything you can.

Also consider whether it is possible to use all the facilities with one hand - relying on a stick means you often only have one hand free for tasks.

Don't get a wet room in case he starts needing the toilet frequently. The floors never seem to dry out quickly enough imo. You can get lower lipped shower cubicles now.

Higher toilet is wonderful. Sofa/chair risers?

Grab rails near toilet, in the shower, and back door. One by the front door hilights vulnerability to scammers.

Ring doorbell so he doesn't have to get up to answer?

Ask him where he thinks he might struggle. He might say he's starting to struggle to get out the chair, off the bed, and get things out of the oven - would he prefer airfryer and microwave instead?

Edit.
Taps. Change them to slide rather than twist, and make sure the shower one is suitable for arthritic hands. I can't change the heat setting on mine as it's too stiff.

No gas. With all our older relatives, this was a worry, so microwaves/safe hob etc only.
This might sound silly, but think of every bit of your body being compromised as you're doing your daily routine. Have you ever had a leg injury etc? What would have made showering/toileting easier? Imagine your eyesight and hearing far worse-how could tech set up help?
Cameras? Latest version of Alexa, connections to emergency supports?

If the oven is gas, having a tap fitted so that you can cut off the gas supply to the oven if he develops dementia.

I’m thinking along the same lines for my dad. What is a sofa or chair riser? He struggles to get up from the sofa

It's simply additions to the feet that raise it up, available in any care shop. He'll find it easier to get up from a chair due to two arm rests, with a sofa you only get to push up from one.

Plug sockets at waist height, walk in shower, tumble drier right next to washer. I live in a flat designed for old people and it's brilliant with a baby. I don’t have to bend down for anything and the pram wheels straight through.

Thanks everyone. Lots of very useful things that i hadnt thought of.

@ForPinkDuck yes step free access and its
ground floor.

@Marquee2go ambulance could park right outside, bus stop with very regular buses (6-10 mins) is a 3 min walk. He doesnt really have any hobbies but likes a pub quiz. There are about ten mins within a 15 min walk.

@Pistachiocake and @Whitedoorhandle no gas. Its all electric so no need to worry about gas.

We live 5 mins down the road so he can come for dinner regularly and we can send our kids over to help if needed. They are teens.

Is it worth raising up the washing machine so its higher up?

Maybe controversial but I wouldn’t do a whole lot of physical adjustment before it is needed. If the washing machine is low and he can use it, then he gets the exercise of bending etc. if it is high from the start, he loses the ability to bend. People who live in bungalows are less fit than those who have to manage the stairs. And not everyone becomes physically frail in the same way and at the same rate. So wait and see what is needed as much as possible.

Sensor in the bathroom so a low voltage light light will come on after daylight hours so no need for bothering with light switches for toilet visits, especially during the night.

The flat needs a new kitchen and bathroom before it can be lived in. I will bear that in mind though. I wont make stuff too easy for him yet!

Japanese toilet.

Comfort hight toilet and make sure the flush won't be an issue for arthritic fingers.

Try to make sure it still looks good and not like a show home for adapted living even if it cost more.

Absolutely. We dont want it to look like those places you see which have had stuff shoehorned in so they end up looking like a bad care home or a hospital. Just a beautiful flat which has some extra useful features.

Think about the hight of his bed and making sure there is space around it if he ever needs help.

Plug sockets at waist high.

Thank you!