Motorized window shades add ease in controlling light through the home

There are many changes that can be made to a home to accommodate people with a disability or senior citizens who want to remain in their homes as they age.

In every room of the house, a simple adjustment in lighting can improve visibility by using brighter lightbulbs and adding new lights to dark areas of the home.

Using motorized blinds or window shades allows the homeowner to adjust light with the push of a button. Motorized window coverings can be controlled by a hand-held remote control or through wall electrical switches.

The Arizona design firm, Design for a Life Span, focuses on creating interiors that have improved accessibility. "It gives the individual the ability to remain living independently in their residence without need for assistance or relocation as they age," the firm's website states. "It allows for personal independence [in a] practical and safe environment."

Safety improvements in the bathroom, where most accidents in the home take place, include the installation of handheld showerheads and lever-handle faucets as well as grab bars along tub walls, which can make bathing considerable safer. If the budget allows, installing a separate shower with a low-threshold entry and a shower bench is another safety measure for elderly homeowners and those with limited mobility.