Terri Ramsey Beavers As you get older, you’ve probably noticed some changes that need to be done to your home. As a kid, you grew up from a small toddler-sized bed up to a long twin-size bed. But that isn’t where it ends, either. When it comes to all of this, the home eventually makes some changes. Just as a growing home develops, when you age, it’s going to need to develop too.
The same can be said for the elderly too. Eventually, they’ll need to make changes to their homes so they can better live in it. Sure, while you can get help from care.com, and have a professional from there step in, your aging loved one is still going to need to get around the house. They need to be able to bathe safely, go upstairs safely, use the toilet safely, be able to do standard chores safely, and so much more. In the end, they need to be safe, and home modifications are going to be the best way to go. So, here are some of the best home modifications that you can consider for your aging loved one.
Walk In Bathtubs
Even those with a disability have a purpose in life, so why not modify the house for those disabilities? Falling is a common problem for seniors, and it’s important to take steps to ensure that their homes can be safely navigated. That means decluttering and removing tripping hazards like throw rugs. Bathroom modifications are also an excellent idea. Stepping over a tub’s rim can be difficult for people with diminishing mobility, so installing walk-in tubs may make bathing much easier and safer. Nowadays, these walk-in bathtubs are fairly affordable, and there are even showers that come with chairs if you’re on a tight budget.
Stair Lifts
You can save that this is a major lifesaver for most seniors. Since the typical home has an upstairs and downstairs, with the upper part being where the bedrooms are, it’s important to accommodate. A multi-story home with bedrooms on different floors can present challenges for seniors who use mobility aids like canes, walkers, or motorized scooters. Installing a stair lift can help prevent serious accidents and injuries for these individuals. It’s not only safer, but it’s painless, too, as going up and down stairs can be very painful for those with arthritis.
Grab Bars and Railings
This is going to be the most affordable modification, and you can say that this is also the easiest to do. If you really wanted to, you could even DIY this yourself. During a remodel or renovation, it’s smart to install grab bars in showers, bathtubs, and around toilets. Grab bar manufacturers offer a variety of styles and lengths that blend in with any decor. Ideally, when it comes to installing, it’s best if it’s at least two grab bars near the toilet and one on each side of the bathtub.
This prevents falls and helps reduce the risk of serious injury. Often, a fall occurs because a person loses their balance or control of their body. Preventing this by adding handrails in hallways and living spaces can help elderly person maintain their independence, dignity, and safety. Safety is so important, and this can make a major difference.