Designing with the Elderly in Mind | Effects of COVID-19

The Coronavirus disease, COVID-19 has consumed the entire globe. Its wave of illness and death has affected us all in some way or another.

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We may know someone who had it, or we may have. Perhaps it is how it monopolized every aspect of the news, how we were quarantined to our homes for an extended period or how we had to wear masks. We watched as it ripped out generations of societies in different parts of the world. There is no doubt that we have all felt the impact of the Novel Corona Virus in some way.

Effects of COVID-19

By now you are probably wondering what this has to do with designing for the elderly. It is because of one of the aspects of the virus that I thought to be very upsetting. I found its impact on the elderly, especially those with uncontrolled pre-existing health conditions, to be very disturbing. I saw a headline that alluded to the overwhelming effect on an entire generation in Italy it had. That was heart-breaking.

Occasionally in the local and international news, I would hear how governments plan to take care and provide for the elderly. Request for volunteers to assist with getting groceries, medication and other essentials for seniors, were sought. This was critical as many of them lived alone and though normally capable of taking care of themselves, this virus forced them into isolation. Without society’s help, this very vulnerable group would be forced to suffer.

Small Island Traditions

To find elderly people living on their own in various parts of the world is not uncommon. In larger countries, where children grow up and move halfway across the country to follow employment opportunities and to start their own lives and families, is understandable. However, in smaller countries like Barbados, this appears to happen more than you would think. But it was not always like this.

When I was younger, I knew of some extended families who would mostly live in the same district. Some lived on the same street, the same plot of land and sometimes the same house. This still happens today, especially in rural communities. However, I sense that as we become more educated to North American ideals and practices, younger generations want to pursue their lives in their little corner of the country. This is a natural approach and has become a familiar part of our society.

In small tropical islands like ours, this is not necessarily as bad as in larger countries. Our countries are small enough that young families can frequently visit their ageing parents in any part of the island. Usually, we do not have to navigate ongoing treacherous weather conditions, like snow or hail, to get around. However, our busy lifestyles with work and children can consume us, leaving our senior members of society to fend for themselves, most of the time.

However, due to the COVID-19, I wonder if we don’t need to do more to make sure that our elderly are properly looked after and provided for. During the lockdowns across the region, many found it difficult to get access to their parents and grandparents. This was especially troubling since they were part of the most vulnerable group of this disease and were encouraged not to leave home. Accessing food and medication became a challenge.

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What can we do in our small tropical nations to accommodate our elderly more, so that they are closer and have a greater impact on our lives and our children’s, their grandchildren’s lives?

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Many of these ideas may not be specific to tropical living but traditionally, our small tropical island culture, encourage these types of situations for our elderly.

Have an Extra Room

Consider having a room that, if necessary, grandparents can move into. This should be on a ground floor that avoids the need for using stairs. You could try making it a room that serves another function until the time it may become necessary to accommodate your parents. Hence avoiding your house becoming too big with unnecessary rooms.

Have it close to or containing a bathroom for easy access. Ensure that the bathroom is elderly-friendly. Perhaps a shower instead of a tub and room for rails and grab bars, if they become necessary.

Granny Flats

Originally a British term this is usually a self-contained unit near or adjoining another house. Grandparents can still have their privacy and independence but close enough to be well cared for and enjoy participating in the lives of their grandchildren.

Expandable Home

My mother would sometimes recall that when she was a girl, they could sometimes have 25 people living in one house. She remembers seeing chattel houses (a small timber house that was moveable) with their gables and shed roofs. As the family grew, a house would add more gables to accommodate the expanding family.

That type of modular housing system is no longer prevalent in our society. However, consider potential expansion possibilities when purchasing a plot of land and designing your home.

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In addition to providing safe and secured accommodation, here are a few other things you could consider.

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Thermal Comfort Control

We all have varying levels of thermal comfort. But as we age, these ranges seem to become exaggerated and distorted. What I often find to be warm, my mother may find cold. However sometimes what I consider to be cool she may find hot.

As such, it would be good to design their space with lots of ventilation flexibility. Let it be able to open up to allow lots of ventilation but also easily closed off if they are feeling a bit chilly.

Outdoor Spaces.

Allow safe and easy access to outdoor spaces. A small kitchen or flower garden is great to get them out in the sun for exercise, especially if they no longer get out of the house like they use to.

Peace and Quiet

As much as they may love spending time with their grandchildren, they may not always be able to keep up with the pace and the decibels of a six to ten-year-old.

Provide a quiet space they can retreat to when they need a break.

Conclusion

Traditionally, many of our small tropical nations have had a culture that loves and care for our elderly.

They have built our nation, society and families on their backs. Let us always remember to hold them as critical members of our families and our homes.

We should never let a crisis like COVID-19 or even natural disasters like tropical storms and hurricanes, leave them feeling stranded or alone in fear and uncertainty.