5 Ways To Upgrade Your Home for Seniors Aging in Place

Many older adults fear their families will force them out of their homes into residential nursing homes. But the powerful desire to stay at home comes with risks. Who will be there to help if your older loved one falls or can’t get to the grocery store? What if there’s a mix-up with their medications?

Some people decide to have their aging parent move in with them. If you’re thinking about it, consider these five ways to upgrade your home for seniors aging in place.

Lighting and Staircases

Falls contribute to tens of thousands of senior injuries, some with complications that result in death, every year. Make sure your staircases are well-lit. You can install lighting on the sides or beneath the treads or motion-detecting lights that come on whenever someone approaches a staircase.

Make sure railings are secure and at a proper height for your loved one to use. Add grip tape or stick-on tread mats to each step to prevent slipping. Consider an electric stair-climbing chair for those who have trouble climbing stairs if you don’t have a first-floor bedroom for your loved one.

Cords, Rugs, and Floors

Your floors and carpets create tripping hazards for older people. Carpets should be low-pile. Test your wood and tile floors for slipperiness. You may need to replace some flooring with a material that has a better slip rating.

Secure or remove area rugs, and make sure electrical and computer cords are out of the lanes of travel through your rooms and secured against a wall.

Ramps and Doorways

Eventually, your aging parent may require a wheelchair. Look into the cost and design of a ramp to make your front door accessible to a wheelchair user. You may also need to widen doorways to accommodate a wheelchair.

Bathrooms

Slippery tubs and showers are a minefield for older adults. Install grab bars in the tub and shower area, and buy a shower bench so your parent can wash while seated. Consider a walk-in tub or a “curbless,” wheelchair-accessible shower so a wheelchair user can roll right in and transfer to a shower bench.

Older adults who suffer from arthritis or muscle weakness may find it difficult to stand up after sitting on the toilet. You can add support bar systems to the sides of the toilet to help.

Doorknobs and Faucets

Arthritic hands may struggle to grip circular door handles and faucets. Change to lever-style door handles and faucets that turn on when a person holds their hands under them.

Every senior has unique needs that may change over time. Help is available. Honey Healthcare, serving King and Snohomish counties in Washington state, will develop an individualized care plan that provides elderly companion care for your loved one. We will ensure that someone is there to lend a hand with errands, housecleaning, and meal preparation when a family member isn’t available.

Call Honey Healthcare to discuss how we can help you and your loved one after you have completed upgrades to your home for seniors aging in place.