Key Home Improvements for Aging at Home
When seniors want to remain in their homes.
There are some key home improvements for aging at home that make the process possible.
Home is where we feel safe, secure and comfortable.
The benefits of remaining in our homes as we aging are numerous, and be able to stay aging at home can be a god send.
In order to help the process we need to make some key improvements to our homes.
Doors Doors and doorways can be one of the biggest challenges.
It is important that we are able to move easily from one space in the home at another.
Consider opening up smaller doorways to create 34- or 36-inch doorways wherever possible.
Another alternative is to use a pair of 18- or even 24-inch pocket doors to make a nice wide opening that's also very attractive.
Pocket door can provide an open feeling to the room awhile still managing privacy when needed.
Making doors easier to open is a must.
This can be achieved by simply replacing doorknobs with levers.
This requires less hand movement and making opening the door much easier for seniors and children alike.
Replacing exterior steps with simple ramps, or combination step/ramps provides easier access to the front door.
Another alternative to a ramp is a gently sloping and turning pathway.
This can be an attractive option.
With more extensive remodeling projects, also consider making hallways wider -- ideally 48 inches.
Toilets There are many options on the market.
Many companies are now offering "comfort-height" toilets, which are about 2 inches taller than standard toilets.
When an individual has difficulty with movement, these provide more security and support.
It is so important that the user feels secure in their able to meet their own personal needs.
Planning on more free space in front of and to the sides of the toilet to allow for easier movement, especially for a walker or wheelchair.
Grab bars Grab bars are a must for those with mobility concerns.
They very useful addition in the bathroom: in the tub, shower and around the toilet.
They provide safety and security.
Installation is an important step.
If improperly installed serious injury could occur.
They need to be properly anchored to solid wood, so if you're remodeling your bathroom, be sure to install some blocking in the walls; it's a simple and inexpensive thing to do, even if you're not planning on installing grab bars right away.
Don't like the institutional look of some grab bars? There are a huge number of options on the market.
A growing number of suppliers are offering them in colors, ranging from bright white to shiny black and everything in between, in both acrylics and powder-coated metal.
There are also some modern new styles on the market.
Tubs and showers Washing can be the area of largest concern for safety.
With personal care needs being the most important topic for seniors and their independence.
There are some simple things you can do to make using your tub or shower easier to use.
In addition to grab bars, a seat can make the difference for seniors and their ability the wash themselves independent of help.
These can be portable, or one of the fold-up versions that are attached to the wall.
There are many different styles available, in everything from plastic to very modern woods.
The ability to control the water is a must.
Lever-handle controls are easier to manipulate and require less hand movements.
That applies to the sinks as well as shower and tub controls.
Consider where you'll be spending most of your time standing -- or sitting -- in the tub or shower, and place the controls at a convenient location.
Make sure that you install anti-scald valves, and install hand-held spray heads.
Also, install a shelf at a convenient location for soap and shampoo, to prevent dangerous reaching or stooping over.
These are some of the basic beginning home modifications to be made when aging at home.
There are some key home improvements for aging at home that make the process possible.
Home is where we feel safe, secure and comfortable.
The benefits of remaining in our homes as we aging are numerous, and be able to stay aging at home can be a god send.
In order to help the process we need to make some key improvements to our homes.
Doors Doors and doorways can be one of the biggest challenges.
It is important that we are able to move easily from one space in the home at another.
Consider opening up smaller doorways to create 34- or 36-inch doorways wherever possible.
Another alternative is to use a pair of 18- or even 24-inch pocket doors to make a nice wide opening that's also very attractive.
Pocket door can provide an open feeling to the room awhile still managing privacy when needed.
Making doors easier to open is a must.
This can be achieved by simply replacing doorknobs with levers.
This requires less hand movement and making opening the door much easier for seniors and children alike.
Replacing exterior steps with simple ramps, or combination step/ramps provides easier access to the front door.
Another alternative to a ramp is a gently sloping and turning pathway.
This can be an attractive option.
With more extensive remodeling projects, also consider making hallways wider -- ideally 48 inches.
Toilets There are many options on the market.
Many companies are now offering "comfort-height" toilets, which are about 2 inches taller than standard toilets.
When an individual has difficulty with movement, these provide more security and support.
It is so important that the user feels secure in their able to meet their own personal needs.
Planning on more free space in front of and to the sides of the toilet to allow for easier movement, especially for a walker or wheelchair.
Grab bars Grab bars are a must for those with mobility concerns.
They very useful addition in the bathroom: in the tub, shower and around the toilet.
They provide safety and security.
Installation is an important step.
If improperly installed serious injury could occur.
They need to be properly anchored to solid wood, so if you're remodeling your bathroom, be sure to install some blocking in the walls; it's a simple and inexpensive thing to do, even if you're not planning on installing grab bars right away.
Don't like the institutional look of some grab bars? There are a huge number of options on the market.
A growing number of suppliers are offering them in colors, ranging from bright white to shiny black and everything in between, in both acrylics and powder-coated metal.
There are also some modern new styles on the market.
Tubs and showers Washing can be the area of largest concern for safety.
With personal care needs being the most important topic for seniors and their independence.
There are some simple things you can do to make using your tub or shower easier to use.
In addition to grab bars, a seat can make the difference for seniors and their ability the wash themselves independent of help.
These can be portable, or one of the fold-up versions that are attached to the wall.
There are many different styles available, in everything from plastic to very modern woods.
The ability to control the water is a must.
Lever-handle controls are easier to manipulate and require less hand movements.
That applies to the sinks as well as shower and tub controls.
Consider where you'll be spending most of your time standing -- or sitting -- in the tub or shower, and place the controls at a convenient location.
Make sure that you install anti-scald valves, and install hand-held spray heads.
Also, install a shelf at a convenient location for soap and shampoo, to prevent dangerous reaching or stooping over.
These are some of the basic beginning home modifications to be made when aging at home.
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