Planning home modifications for easy “aging in-place” is a must as the baby boomer generation ages and a handyman can help. According to AARP, nearly 90% of seniors would like to remain in their homes as they age. You will need to have a plan in place for making modifications so that you can create the best environment.
We’ve compiled eight essential home improvements to help you plan for your loved ones as you look after Mom and Dad during retirement.
Handyman Tips For Home Modifications
Replacing cabinet and door handles
It is easy to replace cabinet hardware and doorknobs by replacing them with D handles. People with arthritis may find it difficult to grip traditional knobs. Additionally, the twisting motion can prove challenging. D handles make it possible for people of all abilities to open and close cabinets and doors. The hardware can also look stylish and elegant. For those who are feeling stiffer with age, a small modification such as this can help to keep things moving along at a normal pace.
Install grab bars and railings throughout your home
Grab bars are simple devices that can make a big difference. They are usually located near the toilet or in the shower. Grab bars can be used to stabilize homeowners while they move or provide something to hold on to for a moment. Grab bars must be properly installed to support the weight of the person holding them. This is why it’s important to hire a handyman who can do the job right. Professionals can help make grab bars more attractive than an eyesore. Consider adding grab bars to your home.
Showering made easy and safe
A corner seat can be installed in the shower to add safety. This seat gives anyone feeling uneasy on their feet a place where they can relax and take a deep breath while the steamy water flows over them. Seats aren’t only for sitting. Shower seats can be used as a place to store shampoo bottles and to support each leg when shaving. A handheld showerhead should be added to the showerhead. The wand attachment makes it easy to rinse soap from difficult-to-reach areas.
Place a seat near the stairs
Sometimes, you just need to take a break. It can be exhausting to climb up stairs and it can cause sore joints. A bench can be a great way to give Mom and Dad a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The staircase landing offers a great place to rest halfway up. A bench can also be placed on the front porch. You can add a bench to the front porch if there isn’t enough space. Giving someone the chance to rest and recuperate may prevent serious trips and falls. A local handyman can help install these in your home.
Lift the Toilet Seats
To prevent accidents or straining in the toilet, raise the toilet seat. According to the National Institute on Aging, one third of people 65 and older fall each year. Many of these accidents occur in the bathroom. A combination of grab bars and an elevated toilet can offer safety, security, and comfort in a space that can be dangerous.
Get your Kitchen Slip-Free
According to the National Safety Council falling is the most common cause of accidental death in the house after 65 years. Most of these falls happen in the kitchen. It’s obvious why. There are many hazards, including heavy pans to transport and unsightly spills on the flooring. Installing low-pile carpet or non-glare tile in your kitchen will make it safe and easy to clean. Find out how a handyman in Conway can assist you with kitchen projects such as these.
At Minimum 36 Inches Widen Doors
For wheelchair users and walkers, narrow doors can be a problem. The minimum width for wheelchairs is 32 inches, while the ideal width is 48 inches. This is according to ADA compliance regulations. This home renovation is important and requires expertise. You can also use this time to reduce the height of light switches, which may need to be relocated. Anyone who uses a wheelchair to reach the light switch can reduce the height of the switches to 48 inches.
Install pull-down/pull-out shelves in the Kitchen or Bathroom
Pull-down and pullout shelves are a great way to help your elderly parents. Pull-out shelves that can be pulled from high cabinets make it easier for those with disabilities to access their items. Lower cabinets have pull-out shelves which reduce the need for them to bend too far. A lazy Susan can be installed in corner cabinets to make it easier to reach items.
Call Handyman Conway now if you need to make changes to your home to accomodate your loved one’s aging in place.
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Handyman Conway
Conway, SC 29526
843-353-6154
info@handymanconway.com
http://handymanconway.com/
Areas Served: Conway, Aynor, Carolina Forest, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach