Things to Consider When Renovating a Home for Seniors
Things To Consider When Renovating a Home for Seniors
Seniors certainly don't have to look toward retirement in a different home. Instead, with a few modifications, they can stay in their own homes.
Studies suggest seniors age healthier and happier if they're allowed to stay in their own homes. The key to those success stories, though, is a bit of home renovation. After all, if your parent or grandparent can't reach the handle on the faucet or simply can't get up the steps to go to the bedroom, you have a bit of an issue on your hands. If you're considering home renovation for yourself or that special someone in your life, do not overlook these aspects.
1. Look at all of the rugs in the house. Throw rugs of any kind, whether they're in the bathroom, kitchen, or just at the door, they're a serious hazard. They're very easy to trip on, and if the individual living in the home is in a wheelchair, it can be tough to move around with rugs on the floor.
2. Be sure you use non-slip flooring features throughout the house, particularly in the bathroom where slips are most likely to occur. It's also the place where they're the easiest to prevent.
3. Think carefully about entryway spaces everywhere. They need to be wide enough for a walker, cane, or wheelchair at some point in time. If they're not, take measures to make certain that the individual living in the home can reach all of the important locations including the bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen.
4. Lighting is as important as any other feature in the home. You'll want to make sure there is enough in each room, and make certain you use high wattage bulbs to keep it as bright as possible. Lamps, though, aren't always the best source of light for seniors, as they can be quite unsteady and prone to slipping should someone accidentally grab for them as a source of support.
5. Think carefully about safety in the kitchen. Seniors should be able to reach both the stove and the faucet and turn them off and on easily. If cooking might be a safety issue, it's best to replace the stove entirely with a cabinet and make certain the senior has prepared meals available.
It is more than possible for seniors to stay successfully in their own homes as they age, but some modifications are necessary. Your best bet is to find a reputable CAPS Builder or Remodeler, which means they have been certified as an Aging In Place Specialist and trained in Universal Design elements, by the National Association of Home Builders.
For More Information on Home Mobility Solutions, visit http://www.aipcustombuilders.com
Seniors certainly don't have to look toward retirement in a different home. Instead, with a few modifications, they can stay in their own homes.
Studies suggest seniors age healthier and happier if they're allowed to stay in their own homes. The key to those success stories, though, is a bit of home renovation. After all, if your parent or grandparent can't reach the handle on the faucet or simply can't get up the steps to go to the bedroom, you have a bit of an issue on your hands. If you're considering home renovation for yourself or that special someone in your life, do not overlook these aspects.
1. Look at all of the rugs in the house. Throw rugs of any kind, whether they're in the bathroom, kitchen, or just at the door, they're a serious hazard. They're very easy to trip on, and if the individual living in the home is in a wheelchair, it can be tough to move around with rugs on the floor.
2. Be sure you use non-slip flooring features throughout the house, particularly in the bathroom where slips are most likely to occur. It's also the place where they're the easiest to prevent.
3. Think carefully about entryway spaces everywhere. They need to be wide enough for a walker, cane, or wheelchair at some point in time. If they're not, take measures to make certain that the individual living in the home can reach all of the important locations including the bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen.
4. Lighting is as important as any other feature in the home. You'll want to make sure there is enough in each room, and make certain you use high wattage bulbs to keep it as bright as possible. Lamps, though, aren't always the best source of light for seniors, as they can be quite unsteady and prone to slipping should someone accidentally grab for them as a source of support.
5. Think carefully about safety in the kitchen. Seniors should be able to reach both the stove and the faucet and turn them off and on easily. If cooking might be a safety issue, it's best to replace the stove entirely with a cabinet and make certain the senior has prepared meals available.
It is more than possible for seniors to stay successfully in their own homes as they age, but some modifications are necessary. Your best bet is to find a reputable CAPS Builder or Remodeler, which means they have been certified as an Aging In Place Specialist and trained in Universal Design elements, by the National Association of Home Builders.
For More Information on Home Mobility Solutions, visit http://www.aipcustombuilders.com
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