As we age, maintaining independence and comfort within our own homes becomes increasingly important. Unfortunately, the layout and design of our living spaces might not always accommodate the changing needs that come with aging. That’s where home improvement projects come into play to create environments that are accessible and comfortable for seniors to live in. Take a look at the following for home improvements for elders.

Key Considerations for Home Improvement

Here are some key considerations for home improvement projects that focus on making homes suitable for aging in place:

Accessibility

Enhancing accessibility may include the following modifications:

Installing ramps or stairlifts to facilitate movement between different levels.
Widening doorways and hallways to accommodate mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers.
Incorporating lever-style door handles and faucets, which are easier to operate than traditional knobs.
Installing grab bars in bathrooms and areas prone to slips and falls.

Lighting

Good lighting can significantly improve safety for seniors with vision impairments. Here are some tips on improving lighting:

Increasing natural light by installing larger windows or skylights.
Adding task lighting in areas for detailed work, such as kitchen countertops or reading nooks.
Installing motion-sensor lights in hallways and bathrooms to illuminate pathways at night.

Bathroom Safety

The bathroom can be a high-risk area for slips and falls. To enhance safety, consider the following tips:

Install a walk-in shower with a low threshold or a bathtub with grab bars and a built-in seat.
Use non-slip flooring materials, such as textured tiles or slip-resistant mats.
Consider raised toilet seats or grab bars near the toilet for added support.

Kitchen Modifications

Adapting the kitchen to accommodate changing mobility and dexterity can make daily tasks more manageable. Consider the following:

Lowering countertops and cabinets to wheelchair-accessible heights.
Installing pull-out shelves and drawers for easy access to items.
Opting for appliances with user-friendly features, such as side-opening ovens and induction cooktops with automatic shut-off.

Entrance Adjustments

Creating a wheelchair-friendly entrance to the house ensures seniors with mobility challenges can enter and exit their homes safely and independently. Here are some possible modifications to consider:

Installing ramps with gentle slopes instead of stairs.
Widening doorways to accommodate wheelchair widths.
Ensuring smooth, non-slip surfaces for easy navigation.

Contractors Can Help with Home Maintenance

Contractors, such as Aging With Grace’s Home Improvement Division, can assist seniors with various home maintenance tasks, allowing them to keep their living spaces safe and well-maintained without physical strain.

Services such as gutter cleaning, painting, yardwork, and deck building can be outsourced to professionals who have the expertise and equipment to get the job done efficiently.

Regular gutter cleaning helps maintain the integrity of the home’s foundation by preventing water damage.

Fresh coats of paint not only enhance the aesthetics of the home but also protect surfaces from wear and tear.

Outsourcing yard work, such as mowing the lawn or pruning trees, ensures that outdoor spaces remain tidy and enjoyable.

For seniors looking to enhance outdoor living areas, contractors can also undertake deck-building projects, creating functional and accessible spaces for relaxation and socializing.

At Aging With Grace, our mission is to help seniors age comfortably by providing assistance with home improvements, nursing services, opportunities to socialize, and more. Contact us today!

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