There seem to be endless challenges as we age, some physical, while others emotional. Mobility issues are widespread in old age and can have a huge impact on your daily life. For example, you might have trouble getting in and out of bed or walking up and downstairs. Feelings of sadness, anger, and grief are normal. Mobility is of the essence for functioning well and living independently. A decrease in mobility can begin at any age, so it’s never too late to prepare – there’s a wide array of adaptations you can make to stay safe, like rethinking how accessible your home is.
The reasons that determined you to buy the home in the first place might become a problem later on. More exactly, you might not be able to open a heavy door or deal with slippery floor tiles. Successful aging in place requires planning and work, so take action before you lose your ability to live independently. Please continue reading to discover what are some must-have modifications for aging in place.
Install A Handrail or A Ramp to Get to The Front Door
To make it easy to get in (and out) of the home, it’s a good idea to install a handrail or ramp if there are steps to the front door for added stability and support. The handrail is positioned at a height that allows you to grab it comfortably; it offers a secure handhold to grip while climbing and going down the stairs. You can maintain balance and prevent falls. Careful measuring is the key to a successful order, so record the measurements on a sketch. Most fabricators will be glad to show the railing designs they sell.
A ramp makes it easier for those with wheelchairs or other mobility aids. Depending on the structure of the entrance to your home, it can be more or less complicated to install. If it’s necessary to move the ramp at some point in the future, think about that as well. In case you didn’t already know, ramps can be installed all over the home to make the surroundings more accessible. Larger, permanent ramps take more time and materials to build and take particular expertise to install. Make any modifications that allow you to aging in place ahead of time, that is, before they become essential.
Make Sure Your Home Is Well-Lit
Lighting, especially exterior lighting, can improve the security of your home. It can be dangerous to try to walk around in the dark, so consider having motion-sensor lights installed. They automatically switch on when you jump out of bed or enter a room, meaning there’s no need to fumble for switches in the dark. Motion-sensor lights illuminate potentially dangerous areas, adding a layer of security to your home. Above all, the lights are energy-efficient, so you only use the electricity when light is actually required; with time, this can translate into savings on your energy bills.
Feel More Secure and In Control When Navigating the Stairs
A flight of stairs can sometimes feel like an insurmountable barrier. Since being able to move freely and safely throughout the home is critical for your independence, install a stairlift to make getting up and down the stairs easier—people who invest in a stairlift regret not doing it sooner. You can save some money by buying second-hand, but ask the same questions you would for a new one. Knowledge is power, and the more research you do, the better. You’ll want to work with someone who understands every situation is unique – the more they know about your lifestyle, the easier it is for them to address your needs.
For a company to give you a quote, a surveyor must visit your home to figure out if the stairs are wide enough for the stairlift you want or wide enough for your knees when seated. Simply put, they can identify the best features that will suit your individual needs. It might be possible to squeeze in a through-floor wheelchair lift, which leaves more usable space. It has safety features such as sensors to stop the unit if it encounters an obstruction. The right stairlift gives you a safe, reliable alternative to more expensive options, such as remodelling your home. Stairlift Canada prices vary depending on a combination of factors: features, user’s needs, and the length of the staircase.
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Adapt The Bedroom to Improve Accessibility
Living at home during your golden years can be beautiful and functional. Move yourself to one of the downstairs rooms to save yourself a lot of headaches in the future, as navigating the stairs can get harder. You might find it challenging to get into bed or out of a chair, so why don’t you have risers fitted? They allow for increased independence, mobility, and, of course, comfort. The bedroom should be located near the bathroom. Speaking of which, install a hands-free toilet with automatic washing and drying functions; it’s hygienic and easy to clean. Opt for a wet room-style shower that provides you with more room to move.
Install Smart Technology
Technology is likely to be more important in the years to come. Various devices can make your home safer and more comfortable for you to stay in. For example, with the help of a thermostat, you can keep the home at a comfortable temperature, irrespective of the weather outside. Equally, you should have working smoke detectors to alert friends, neighbors, and caregivers via smartphone alerts. You have no way of knowing how quickly you might react to it. Smart screens make it easier to keep in touch with your loved ones – they’re more personal than a simple phone call.
Concluding Thoughts
All in all, it’s essential to adapt your home for aging in place now rather than sometime in the future. Your personal situation will change, and your home needs to change. Indeed, making changes to your home can be expensive, but there are ways to get help with the costs.
