Top Home Modifications to Make Aging in Place Safe and Comfortable
Growing older in your home will eventually bring with it challenges that were never there before. One’s physical abilities change as the decades pass; that’s why. Because of this, aging in place home modifications become necessary. Without them, that same house may already develop hazards for people in their old age. Here are some features that have to be considered to make the house senior-friendly.
1. Improved Accessibility and Mobility
Seniors can live more independently and safely when the different parts of the house are made easier to get to. Adding ramps, grab bars, and non-slip flooring can lessen the possibility of falling. Lever-type doorhandles are an extra safety feature for one who gets easily off-balance. Make sure the doorways are wide enough for wheelchair users.
For homes with uneven levels, install ramps. These modifications make it easier for those who are weakened by age to move around their homes. They lessen dependency on caregivers and give the person an increased sense of self-esteem. An added measure is to keep the walkways clear of clutter.
2. Enhanced Bathroom Safety
Wet surfaces and slippery tiles make the bathroom a high-risk area for falls. Simple adjustments like adding grab bars at the shower and beside the toilet seat offer support whether standing or sitting. Non-slip mats laid inside and outside the shower area are a must, as they lessen the risk of sliding. For people with limited mobility, a shower chair and a handheld showerhead make bathing easier.
Visibility is enhanced by appropriate illumination, and the presence of nightlights makes going to the bathroom safer when one wakes up in the middle of the night. Have a low threshold walk-in shower area that lessens the need to step over something high to get in.
3. Improved Kitchen Functionality
How does home modification work in a practical kitchen for elders? Implement simple changes in the kitchen to improve safe movement for elders. Fall hazards can be decreased by non-slip flooring and an adequate lighting system. Storage areas that are easily reached are advisable, as they reduce the need for bending or stretching. Install cabinets that are lower than usual but will still give you clearance space on the counter.
Use appliances with big controls that are easily read. Automatic shut-off capability is a must because the older one gets, the more forgetful the person becomes. The kitchen sink shouldn’t be too deep to make dishwashing easier, and it’s best with lever-handle faucets.
4. Smart Home Technology for Safety and Convenience
There are now sensors that can detect a person’s fall and set off an emergency warning system to send help. You can also have voice-activated assistants, smart lighting, and programmable thermostats that make daily chores easier. Automated medicine dispensers lessen the need for caregivers.
Wearable technology can monitor your health, and family members can even check in on the condition of a senior with remote access. Motion-activated cameras and smart locks provide extra security. With all the apps now available for a senior’s protection and safety, one can age in place with confidence.
A Senior-Friendly Home At Last
Families can design a living environment that promotes independence and well-being in later years. All they have to do is put aging-in-place home modifications. We’ve touched on the simplest improvements one can undertake to guarantee comfort and safety. For more information on what else you can do for future-proofing the home, call J.P. Gallagher Construction Inc. at 208-635-5326.
