If you want your senior loved one to be comfortable in your home, there are several common reasons you may need to make some home improvements. For instance, your home might not be accessible to someone with limited mobility. There might also be some safety concerns about your home, such as loose carpets or slippery floors. That’s why it’s essential to have a good look around your home and make changes where necessary to make it safer and more comfortable for your senior loved one. Here are a few updates to consider if you want to make your home senior-friendly:
Wider Doorways and Hallways
One of the best ways to make your home more senior-friendly is to widen doorways and hallways. This will make it much easier for seniors, especially if they rely on mobility aids such as walkers or wheelchairs. Wider doors also provide a clear path in case of a fire or other emergency where you and your whole family might have to rush out. They can also make it easier for you to move furniture or other large objects. In addition, wider hallways can help to reduce traffic congestion in the home and make it easier for seniors to socialize with family and friends.
Home Elevators
For seniors, climbing multiple flights of stairs can be challenging – especially if you live in a multi-story home. Not only is it physically demanding, but it can also be dangerous, leading to falls and injuries. To address this, you can provide a safe and convenient way for seniors to navigate your home’s floors by hiring home elevator installation services. In addition to making it easier for seniors to get around, these elevators can also add value to a home, making it more attractive to potential buyers if you plan to sell in the future. Elevators are worth considering whether you’re looking for a way to make your home more accessible or add some extra safety and convenience.
Ramps
Not only is there the risk of falling, but the effort required to go up or down a few steps can be daunting for many seniors. As such, ramps can provide a solution by making it easier for seniors to navigate steps inside and outside the home. Ramps can be placed at a home’s entrance or installed inside to provide easy access to different levels. There are also portable ramps which makes them ideal for use when traveling.
Non-Slip Floors or Mats in the Bathroom and Kitchen
Many seniors enjoy maintaining their independence. However, this can present challenges when it comes to safety. Among seniors, falls are considered to be one common cause of injuries, especially to their hips, and even their head. And the bathroom and kitchen are two of the most common places for slipping accidents to occur. To help reduce the risk of falls, it is important to have non-slip floors or mats in these areas. Non-slip surfaces provide extra traction and can help to prevent slips and falls. In addition, some mats can help to soften the impact if a fall does occur. So if your loved one is staying in your home with you, you must make your floors safer and more senior-friendly.
Lever-Style Rather than Knob-style Handles
Over time, seniors may lose some strength and dexterity in their hands and fingers. This can make it difficult to grip small objects like doorknobs. Lever-style handles are a great solution for this problem because they provide a larger surface area that is easier to grab and turn. Similarly, doors with this type of doorknob only require minimal pressure to turn and can also be opened without the need to grip the handle. This makes them a good choice for seniors with arthritis. Lever-style handles offer a more practical and comfortable solution to help seniors go around from room to room.
Grab Bars
Grab bars can provide much-needed support and stability, helping to prevent falls. They are especially important in areas with a risk of slipping, such as the bathroom or near a ramp. Installing grab bars throughout your home makes your living space more senior-friendly and helps to keep your loved one safe. Additionally, grab bars can be used by people of all ages and abilities. They are an excellent way to provide support for anyone who needs a little extra help getting around.
Making updates around your home can make a big difference in accommodating your senior loved one. Whether you install home elevators, ramps, non-slip floors and mats, lever-style handles, or grab bars, these changes can help make your home more welcoming for your senior loved one.
