Best Ways to Upgrade Your Home for Your Senior Years
Feb 15, 2021
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If you are starting to look at the onset of your senior years, you may be thinking that there are facets of your home that you need to either upgrade or change entirely. While this is true, it may be a lot easier than it initially seems. Here are some suggestions on the best way to make sure you can stay at your current home and age in place.Look at The Flooring
When it comes to trip hazards, the most commonly blamed culprit is the type of flooring used. Shag carpeting or high-pile carpeting can easily trip you if are developing balance issues. The same can be said for certain types of hardwood or tile floors. If you have carpeting, make sure to replace it with low-pile carpeting. If you have floorings such as hardwood, laminate, or tile, check what the slip rating is so that you can avoid possible future injury.
Install Handrails
No matter where you may be walking in the home, there is an increased risk of falling when you are a senior. Nursing experts recommend adding handrails or grab bars wherever feasible. These areas may include hallways, upgrading your bathroom, bedrooms, or stairs. All of these areas are commonly associated with senior falling accidents. When buying these safety devices, make sure that they are ADA-approved and have a pressure rating of at least 500 lbs.
Home Elevators
When you make the decision to age in place, you have to consider how you will be able to safely traverse the stairs between floors in the home. However, this consideration can be nullified by simply installing a home elevator suitable for any Florida home. By doing this, you don't have to worry about tripping or falling down the stairs. This can be considered the ultimate in senior safety enhancements.
Make Your Home Smart
One aspect that comes with aging is becoming forgetful. This is a good reason to install as many smart devices as possible. From smart thermostats to smart televisions, this type of technology can be programmed to adjust as needed. You can also talk to the devices and change them at will, without ever having to get out of your favorite chair.
Keep Secure
These days, security systems are a lot more than a simple alarm that goes off if someone tries to break-in. Modern security systems come equipped with webcams that can transmit to a family member's phone or computer. They can also be equipped with boundary alarms, which will send an alert to a designated company or person in the even the senior wanders out of the yard.
Walk-In Showers
Getting into and out of the shower is one of the biggest inconveniences that seniors report facing as they age. Convert the traditional shower to a walk-in shower to avoid having to step over the side of the tub and possibly falling. It is also a good idea to install a chair in the shower so that it can be used without having to stand for long periods of time.