Aging in Place: Home Updates for Seniors

Everyone wants to be able to remain safely in their homes—especially seniors. However, this accomplishment comes with the proper home adjustments that keep people safe, comfortable, and able to live on their own.

Here are our top five home updates for seniors that will give you and your family peace of mind and provide a smooth transition as your needs change throughout the years.

 

1: Install Non-Slip Flooring

Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults. They can cause injuries such as broken bones and head trauma. Be proactive and install one of the following slip-resistant flooring options throughout your home.

 

Non-Slip Vinyl Flooring:

Non-slip vinyl flooring is easy to maintain, can withstand harsh conditions, and is simple to clean.

 

Cushioned Slip-Resistant Mats:

Although replacing your flooring altogether would be the most beneficial, a temporary option is to install slip-resistant mats in high-risk areas such as in the shower and front of bathroom and kitchen sinks.

 

Cork Flooring:

Cork flooring offers a good amount of cushion under your feet, is impact resistant, and has anti-slip properties to prevent falls. It’s also easy to clean and wheelchair friendly.

 

 

2: Improve Lighting

Improving the brightness and quality of lighting in your home can help prevent falls and other accidents when aging in place. Here are some ways to install lighting on your property to help you stay safe and make your life easier:

 

Outdoor Lighting:

Arriving at a pitch-black home can be dangerous—but a professional handyman can help you install the following outdoor lighting options to enhance safety and security.

• Doorway Lights
• Garage Lights
• Floodlights
• Pathway Lights
• Patio or Porch Lights
• Timer Lights
• Motion Sensor Lights

 

Interior Lighting:

We all spend a significant amount of time doing tasks within our homes—so adding extra lighting in commonly used areas will provide a safe and well-lit experience as you age.  Install additional interior lighting in places like:

• Hallways
• Stairs
• End tables
• Above the Stove
• Under Cabinets
• Above Countertops

 

Wireless Lighting:

Wireless lighting is one of the best ways to prevent falls as it eliminates the risk of tripping on cords. There are a variety of choices that include motion-sensor capabilities, mood-based lighting colors, scheduling features, and so much more. Adding even small lighting updates to your home can make the biggest difference.

 

 

3: Modify the Bathroom

Up to 80% of falls in the home occur in the bathroom—so when it comes to making home updates for seniors, bathrooms are one of the most important places to start.  With home improvement and aging-in-place services, you can install:

 

Raised Toilets:

With age—weakness in bones, joints, and muscles tends to be common. Installing a raised toilet can provide relief to your joints and extra support making bathroom usage less of a hassle. If assistance is needed, raised toilet seats are helpful to the caregiver as well.

Once you’ve chosen a toilet seat that best suits your needs, proper installation is the most important step of this modification. Faulty installation will cancel out the safety benefits of a raised toilet and could add more risk.  Have peace of mind knowing your toilet is securely installed by using a professional handyman.

 

Updated Faucets:

Updated faucets are beneficial for those that have challenges with arthritis, carpel tunnel, numbness, or tingling. For added convenience, a professional handyman can install touchless, motion-activated, or push-button faucets to provide ease throughout your daily routine.  Additionally, some faucet options have an anti-scald capability to prevent discomfort, injury, and serious burns.

 

Bathroom Grab Bars:

Grab bars can help you easily maneuver while using the shower, bathtub, or toilet. If mobility issues are present, grabs bars can add stability. When placing your bars, our professional handymen will make sure they properly hold up to your needed weight and are secure.

 

Walk-in Shower:

The benefits are endless when it comes to upgrading to a walk-in shower. Walk-in showers are easy to clean, can fit in most bathrooms, and make your shower experience hassle-free by eliminating the need to step in and out of a bathtub. A height-adjustable shower seat or bench can also be installed for ultimate shower security.

 

 

4: Optimize for Mobility

Getting around on your property should be done with ease. Contact a professional handyman that specializes in safety & mobility home updates for seniors, and have them help you improve your home with the following upgrades:

 

Install Ramps or Stairlifts:

Adding these modifications will make your property wheelchair friendly and provide a smooth transition from one surface to another for you, your friends, and your family. It’s well worth the cost to provide greater independence. Temporary ramps are also an option and can be more affordable than permanent ones.

 

Widen Doorways:

Widening doorways are very beneficial for scooter, wheelchair, and walker users. Adding lever-style doorknobs to your new widened doors will help those with arthritis or grip issues easily open doors increasing overall independence.

 

Additional Railing:

Adding grab bars and additional railings in essential places of your home can be very effective. Professional handymen can install slip-resistant railings in your bedroom, making it easier to get in and out of bed and they can add additional railings by steps or stairs in your home to help with stability.

 

 

5: Add Smart Technology

With help from a professional handyman, it’s easy to add smart technology that will provide ease to your day-to-day life. Here are a few products you should consider using:

 

Smart Locks:

Have you ever had a feeling that you forgot to lock your house door? Smart locks can provide mobile control over locking and unlocking your doors. This makes coming and going from the house easier, eliminates the need for a physical key, and lets you manage your locks from anywhere.

 

Remote Access Property Management:

Having a property management system with remote access allows you to control multiple aspects of your home from a phone or tablet device. You can monitor things like property access, home devices, security tools, and more. Ask your professional handyman to help you hang or install any cameras, sensors, or devices that you need.

 

Smart Light Bulbs:

Smart bulbs can be added to your wireless lighting and provide voice recognition, mobile control, and dimming features. This eliminates having to get up and down to manage the lights and removes the need to bend or reach for switches.

 

These home updates for seniors are sure to increase safety and peace of mind. So whether you already have a list of projects you’d like to accomplish or this is your first time entertaining the idea of adding modifications—a qualified handyman will be happy to help.

 

 

Home Care & Repair’s professional handyman services keep you in control of your small home improvements and repair projects and provide a worry-free experience when it comes to quality workmanship, fair pricing, and your safety. To learn more, please visit our website or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.