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The tradition of rolling off to an old age home to live out your golden years is fading with generational shifts. One recent survey suggested that 90 percent of Americans want to "age in place," or spend the last portion of their lives in their homes, surrounded by loved ones. Part of that change means installing support rails and other assistance to help make the home livable for someone who may not have the best balance or eyesight.
Many of the modifications will occur in the bathroom and kitchen as well as on staircases.
Install a Grab Bar in the Bathroom
To install a bathtub or shower safety bar, first consult the person who will be using the assistance. If that person is you, figure out the best place for you to lean so you can easily get in and out of the tub or shower.
Widen Doorways for Wheelchairs
Expanding a doorway is hardly a beginner DIY project. So if you’re not comfortable with some medium level woodwork and electrical adjustments, you may want to call a professional carpenter and electrician to help. For you have to remove the molding and door frame. Be sure to check if the doorway is located in a load bearing wall. If so, you’ll need to install a temporary header while the existing one is set aside.
Install a Handrail on the Staircase
While most staircases have a bannister, an extra set of handrails can be helpful for balance on the way up or down the stairs.When you choose the railing you’re going to install, it may make sense to have a textured grip. Like handrails in the bathtub, one of the first steps is locating studs in the wall.
Install a Chair Lift
As you age, getting up and down stairs can become much harder. Some individuals are so challenged by stairs they move into single floor homes. If you want to remain in a home with two floors and find them daunting, consider a chair lift. Home lifts can be installed both indoors and outdoors. While it's possible to install your own, you probably want to consult a professional to find the best lift for your needs and budget. For example, Stiltz Home Lifts South Africa are able to suggest the right lift given the size of your home.
Remodel Your Kitchen
You may not think of the kitchen as a room that needs to be redone for seniors, yet a lot of potential problems can occur there. If you're willing to consider a big makeover, you may want to add more lighting and create an open layout to make it easier to move through. Other possibilities include changing out the handles to make them easier to grab. The options can be tiny or huge.
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