Multiple studies have confirmed that 8 out of 10 seniors want to age in place instead of in an assisted living facility or nursing home. They prefer to spend their remaining years in a home and neighborhood that are familiar to them, surrounded by family and neighbors. It can be intimidating to think about having your senior loved one aging in a home that wasn’t designed for long-term care. However, numerous home modifications can be made to keep it safe for seniors to remain where they’re happiest.
Here are five basic home modifications to make the home safer for seniors:
Widen Doorways
For seniors who rely on mobility aids like walkers or wheelchairs, standard doorway widths need to be widened to make it easier to move from room to room. A licensed contractor can perform this modification. The cost will vary depending on the home’s insulation and the placement of electrical outlets and switches.
Install Ramps
Outside stairs leading up to the home can be a real challenge for seniors with mobility or balance issues, making the installation of outdoor ramps a much-needed home modification. A contractor can build and install ramps of the correct height and angle.
Indoor ramps may also be necessary for seniors who use wheelchairs. These ramps are often made of rubber and provide a smooth transition from one surface to another, such as from carpeting to linoleum.
Kitchen Modifications
Older adults may find their appliances no longer are in a location that gives them easy access, or their cabinets and countertops are too high, especially if they are in a wheelchair. A professional contractor can adjust counter heights and lower the sink, allowing easier access. Placing a microwave in a microwave stand instead of at the back of the counter or in a raised microwave cabinet can also make using the kitchen easier for your senior.
Bathtub and Shower Modifications
Bathroom modifications are essential for the safety of older adults. Many families replace their bathtub with a walk-in shower that provides more manageable and safer entry and exit. Walk-in tubs are also an excellent option for seniors who prefer taking a bath, rather than showering.
Less expensive options for bathtub modification are purchasing and installing safety strips, adding a safety bar and handrail, and buying a bathtub transfer bench to help your senior safely and comfortably get in and out of the tub.
Flooring Modifications
Reducing or eliminating slips and falls for your loved one can be done through a few simple flooring modifications. Replace old, shaggy carpets with new carpeting that has a shorter nap. It’s much more suitable for a senior who uses a walker or wheelchair.
Hardwood, vinyl, laminate, and tile floors are smooth and allow for easier wheelchair maneuvering, but they’re slipperier than carpeting. Putting down rugs on flooring can help, but be sure to securely tape them to prevent dangerous trips and falls.
Taking a proactive approach to home modifications can ensure that a senior can age at home safely. Moreover, it gives family members a piece of mind that their loved one is safe.
Our Mission: Helping Bedford Seniors Age at Home Safely and With Dignity
Each of our caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care serving Bedford Massachusetts and the Boston Northwest area goes through extensive training to help older adults fulfill their wish of staying at home. They help with activities of daily living and other tasks that can become perilous, like taking the trash out or performing household chores.
Call us today at (781) 514-6417 to schedule a free consultation. We’d love to learn about your family’s needs and develop a customized care plan just for you.
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