The 3 Essential Home Modifications To Help You Age in Place in Comfort
It’s the dream of just about every senior citizen to stay in their home as they age and not go into a care home at any point. To do that safely, your home might need some changes.
Simple adjustments, like adding grab bars or installing a curbless shower, can make a big difference in helping you stay comfortable and safe.
Every home is different, and what works for one person might not be right for someone else.
To make sure you’re making the best decisions, it can help to talk to a professional who knows about home care and senior living.
Experts, like those at Visiting Angels La Mesa – Senior Home Care Services, can give you personalized advice on the best ways to modify your home. In this article, we will go over some of the possibilities.
1. Bathroom Safety
The bathroom is a place where accidents can easily happen, especially as you get older. Making a few changes can really help keep you safe.
Start by adding grab bars near the toilet, in the shower, and around the bathtub.
These bars give you something sturdy to hold onto, helping you keep your balance and avoid falls.
If stepping over the edge of a bathtub is difficult, think about switching to a walk-in shower or tub to make getting in and out much easier and safer.
You can use non-slip mats or put in tiles that are designed to be less slippery when wet to help prevent falls, which are a common concern in the bathroom.
Also, consider adding a raised toilet seat. It can make sitting down and standing up much easier, especially if you have any pain or trouble with your joints.
2. Stairways
Stairs can get trickier and more dangerous as you age, so it’s important to make them safer.
A few easy changes can help prevent falls and keep you steady.
Start by adding sturdy handrails on both sides of the stairs. Having something to hold onto can give you extra support and make you feel more secure as you go up and down.
If climbing the stairs becomes too tough, you might want to think about installing a stairlift.
Another good idea is to put non-slip treads on each step. These treads help prevent slipping, which can be especially important if your stairs are hardwood or tile.
3. Smart Devices
Many seniors are wary of using technology as they fear they won’t understand how to use it.
Thankfully, these days, there are easy-to-use smart devices that can make life much better for seniors.
One handy bit of technology is smart lighting. With smart lights, you can control them using your voice or a smartphone.
This means you don’t have to get up to turn lights on or off, which is especially helpful at night or if moving around is tough.
Another useful option is a smart security system.
These systems can include cameras for your doorbell, motion sensors, and ways to monitor your home remotely.