Every person wants to improve comfort at home, especially as one is growing older. It is critical to make the house adaptable to everyone. With age come mobility issues that necessitate home improvement techniques to support their independence. When hunting for movoto modern houses, you will not miss something for 55+ neighborhoods. Experienced realtors are the best bet when looking for variety in the market.
Paying attention to the needs of seniors
When seniors are living alone, they undergo a lot of challenges. One of them is the ability to move around the house. We may think that it is easy for everyone but wait until you start aging. By observing how the aging family members manage to maneuver around the house, you can determine if it is time for home improvements.
More seniors are modifying their homes to make the spaces adaptable to their lifestyle. It reduces the risks of accidents and injuries by losing balance. By making your house flexible to the seniors, you will not consider taking them for elderly care programs. It is a smart move to renovate the home to accommodate the aging family members.
10 Home Improvement Tips on Seniors Safety
Here are a few things to consider when making the home safer;
1. Modify the stairs
Due to chronic illnesses, it is common for aging people to find trouble going up the stairs. An architect or interior designer is the best person to consider when installing a lift in the house. Having the option of a backup battery will eliminate inconveniences when there is no power. Installing rails along the modern stairs will go a long way to improving safety. Seniors can use them to pull themselves up the stairs. Consider reducing the steepness of the stairs as it is challenging to climb.
2. Safety in the Bathroom
The bathroom poses the most significant risk for seniors to have injuries or accidents. It is easy to slide on the floor due to water spilling on the smooth surfaces. Holding bars beside the toilet and shower area offers a place for seniors to have for support. Floor mats made of rubber help in enhance traction, thereby reducing the risk of a person falling. A chair in the bathing section comes in handy when an individual cannot stand for long periods.
3. Lighting
As one progresses in life, the eyes also age. It becomes impossible to see as you used to do while young. Proper lighting ensures that the aging can see and access all parts of the house. If there are any faulty lights, make sure that you fix them as soon as possible. Think of creative and innovative ways to improve the lighting at home. It is advisable to opt for lighting systems with motion sensors. One will not have to look for the switch as the lights will go on soon as a moving object approaches. It saves on the costs of electricity bills since the system turns on and off automatically.
4. Remove clutter
Lack of organization in the house can cause accidents. It is vital to remove clutter from rooms in the house. Picking up the toys after the kids are done playing ensures that they stay in one place. The house becomes safer when there are no hazardous items that can fall on someone or cause a person to fall. Find ways to dispose of the things that you do not use to create additional space at home. When walking around the house, it is vital to wear shoes that enhance traction with the floor.
5. Fire safety
Always ensure that smoke detectors are working. Electrical risks will pose a danger if not taken care of. It is critical to check for naked wires and damaged sockets for repairs. Place candles on stands and away from items that would catch fire. Limit the use of heaters as they can start a fire if left unattended. Seniors can also learn how people carry themselves in case of fire.
6. Accessibility
The bedrooms still pose a risk in safety for the aging members of the family. Those with back pains and other conditions can use a high-density mattress. It is essential to install bars that one can grab when entering and coming out of bed. Make the doors to rooms comfortable to open by minimizing the effort it takes to open them. Place a chair at the dressing table to make the place efficient to use.
7. Wide Hallways and doors
It is crucial to factor the movement of wheelchairs around the home when planning for a home improvement initiative. The contractors can make the door wider by eliminating the door frame.
8. Get ready for an Emergency
Keeping emergency numbers close helps in speeding up the process of asking for assistance promptly. Seniors can utilize less complicated cellphones that are easy to use. You can save the significant numbers on speed dial for instant access. Putting up sticky notes on the most accessible spaces helps to remind the aging of what they need to do. It is difficult to remember things after reaching an advanced age.
9. Regular checkups
Checking up on seniors is essential, especially when you want to learn how they live. It helps to monitor how they are doing and identifying any challenges that they might be facing.
10. Ensure Comfort and Convenience
The ideal home should make family members comfortable. It helps the family bond more, and you will find family members spending more time at home. Taking insurance against risks such as fire and burglary is another way to protect the house.
Conclusion
One-third of the senior population suffers injuries each year. With the above ideas for home improvements, making the living spaces safer for them is possible. You can consider them when building a new home or renovating existing rooms. With the help of qualified personnel in the interior design industry, homeowners can enhance safety at home at a minimal cost.