Lighting Up a Seniors Life - Baby Boomer Alert!

Lighting for seniors requires attention to some specific details. When planning a lighting design for aging baby boomers we want to provide both adequate light to see clearly and a safe environment. With a combination of recessed, pendant, track and wall fixtures, these needs can be met. It is very important that certain areas be well lit. Areas like stairs and bathrooms where so many accidents occur or basements, which are usually dark. Kitchens require a great deal of light so food can be prepared safely.

It is fact that as we age our eyes needs change and we need more light to see properly. What may be suitable at 25 may not be good enough at 40 and what may work at 40, just won't cut it at age 60. Task lighting can help in a kitchen by installing under cabinet lights. A good choice for under cabinet lights is fluorescent for the simple reason that they require very little maintenance. This is another important aspect to consider. We want to try to choose lighting that requires very little maintenance and does not require tools to change bulbs. Placing the light fixtures in a location that makes it easy to reach to change light bulbs is also a good choice. Wall sconces are a good choice to solve this problem. A wall sconce placed in a stairway for instance can provide light as well as eliminate the need for a ladder to change the light bulb.

Wall sconces can be a solution in other rooms as well. Two wall sconces; one on each side of the vanity does a great job of illuminating the room and ease of bulb replacement. Just be sure when choosing a fixture that the wall sconce has an open top or bottom so the bulb can be replaced without having to remove parts. A bar light above the vanity with exposed bulbs is another good alternative. The fixtures you want to try and avoid are those in which small screws need to be loosened or removed to get to the bulb.

Another point to consider is outdoor lighting for security. Be sure to provide plenty of light at all entrances and exits. These lights should also be on a timer or photocell so that they are on when needed. Someone may leave expecting to be home before dark and get delayed. In this case having the lights come on automatically will allow them to enter the house safely. Motion detectors can also be used in places that we don't want to keep the lights on for extended periods. Areas like walkways along the side of a house or a path where the garbage is taken out. Driveways are another good location for a motion detector light.

In fixtures where changing a bulb is a little difficult, using a compact fluorescent is a good choice. With a compact fluorescent, the bulb will last as long as 3 years and sometimes longer. A great place for one is in a shower light, just be sure to get a big enough bulb to light the area adequately. Outside light fixtures are also a good choice unless you live in an area where the temperature gets below freezing a lot. Another place for fluorescent fixtures are closets, which can be extremely dark for an elderly person.

The key points to remember are to make sure all areas are adequately illuminated and use fixtures that require a minimum of maintenance.

Paul forte has been in the lighting industry for over 25 years. For more info and tips on lighting and other electrical needs please visit Lighting Tips - for help with laying out recessed lighting

---

Vinyl Mini Blinds

Vinyl blinds are the perfect choice for high-humidity locations such... Read More

Decorating with Authentic Zebra Decor

We all take a certain pride in the interior of... Read More

Home Decorating & The Smaller Place

"Big Things Come In Small Packages" We're all familiar with... Read More

Do You Really Want The Ceiling Fan Above The Bed?

I love the decorative look of a ceiling fan as... Read More

Where to Buy Discount Down Comforters

Many people love the look and feel of down comforters,... Read More

The Value of Antique Grandfather Clocks

These days, everything from ovens to telephones silently mark the... Read More

Country Decorating Ideas - Create Warmth and Charm with Country Style Decorating Ideas

Country decorating ideas can help you create a home that... Read More

Finding a Cuckoo Clock Repair Service

Weights hanging from the bottom of your cuckoo clock keep... Read More

Buying Down Alternative Comforters

When the frigid winds of winter arrive, many people turn... Read More

Budget Decorating - What Is It?

Budget decorating. You see this phrase a lot but what... Read More

Tabriz Persian Rugs

Tabriz are one of the most popular Persian rugs. Tabriz... Read More

How to Buy Discount Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo flooring is a relatively new alternative to standard hardwood... Read More

Decorating on a Budget - 15 Easy Steps

Many years ago I was told that the least expensive... Read More

Bathroom Vanity Cabinets

Bathroom vanity cabinets are considered bathroom furniture, and usually range... Read More

Beautifying Your Home

"Learn how to be happy with what you have while... Read More

How to Kickstart a Good Bedroom Design Project?

Dear friends,Any room in your home is primarily a space... Read More

Bar Stools & Counter Stools - Tips on How To Select the Right Style for Your Space

If you have a breakfast bar or wet bar in... Read More

Country Home Decorating ? Country Style Home Decor the Way Life Used to Be

What is the lure and appeal of country home decorating?... Read More

A Look at Picnic Gift Baskets

Picnic gift baskets are a great gift for just about... Read More

How to Build Your Own Cuckoo Clock

Of all the various kits available from hobby stores and... Read More

Vintage Enamelware Takes Us Back

Enamelware is a trip down memory lane. White jugs with... Read More

The Benefits of Electric Adjustable Beds

Electric adjustable beds are adjustable beds that can be automatically... Read More

Interior Decorating and Home Decor With Native American Indian Art

Since there has been a trend in recent years towards... Read More

Choosing the Right Wallpaper

There is literally thousands of different colors, different patterns even... Read More

Are Your Houseplants Safe?

There is nothing more attractive and cheerful than a room... Read More

Four Decorative Painting Techniques

Tired of plain, boring walls? Faux finishes are a great... Read More

Rustic Log Furniture, How to Find Quality Furniture and a Trust Worthy Seller

The great thing about looking for a retailer or manufacturer... Read More

Candle Making Supplies

Candle making can be a fun creative hobby. It can... Read More

Pot Racks - Make a Statement In Your Kitchen

One of the most beautiful, versatile and efficient accessories that... Read More

Bakers Wine Racks: Sophisticated Style

Nothing sends a message of sophistication and style quite the... Read More

Why Posters are Great Gifts

Posters make great gifts. They are large but easy to... Read More

Looking for a Butcher Block Table?

Butcher Block Table - A Working Piece Of FurnitureA butcher... Read More

Couch Slipcovers - An Easy Way to Give Old Furniture a Stylish New Image!

Fitting new couch slipcovers is a great way to instantly... Read More