Aging in place, staying in your own home safely and comfortably as you grow older, is a growing priority for many seniors and their families. Making a few key modifications can enable homeowners to maintain their independence while reducing the risk of falls or injuries. Today, we at JBS Custom Remodeling would like to take the opportunity to share a handful of the essential modifications that can make a big difference in a senior’s ability to remain safely at home.
Installing Grab Bars in Key Areas
One of the most effective and simple modifications for senior safety is adding grab bars. These sturdy handles aid stability and balance, especially in high-risk areas like bathrooms and staircases. Ideally, grab bars should be placed near the toilet, in the shower, alongside the bathtub, and at the tops and bottoms of stairways. Proper installation by a professional guarantees they can support a person’s weight and provide reliable assistance when needed.
Updating Bathroom Fixtures & Layout
The restroom can be a hazardous space for seniors, with its combination of hard floors, sharp edges, and slippery water. Updating the bathrooms to be more accessible can make a huge difference in daily routines. This may include adding a walk-in shower with a low threshold, a shower seat, a handheld showerhead, nonslip flooring, and a raised toilet seat. All these modifications enable greater ease of movement and reduce the risk of falls.
Widening Doorways & Hallways
Installing wider doors and enlarging hallways makes it easier for individuals who use walkers, wheelchairs, or scooters to move through their homes safely. Standard doors, typically 30 or 32 inches, can be widened to 34 or 36 inches to enable greater accessibility. This simple structural change can foster independence by allowing seniors to navigate their spaces without bumping into furniture or struggling with tight spaces.
Improve Lighting & Visibility
Good lighting is crucial for reducing falls and other accidents at home. Older adults typically need more light to see details and avoid obstacles, especially at night. Installing additional lighting in hallways, bathrooms, staircases, and entryways can aid visibility. Motion sensor lighting is a convenient option, turning on when someone enters a room or corridor, adding an additional layer of safety.
Smart Home Technology for Security & Communication
Technology can aid seniors in staying connected and securing their homes. Smart locks enable homeowners to control their doors remotely or by phone, adding a convenient way for caregiver access when needed. Security cameras, video doorbells, and emergency response systems can provide peace of mind for both seniors and their families. Also, voice-controlled assistants can aid in turning on lights, making phone calls, or retrieving information, all without requiring significant physical movement.
Handyman Home Repairs, Kitchen, Bathroom & Whole House Remodels & More in Arlington, Plano, Garland, Irving, Frisco, McKinney, Grand Prairie, Fort Worth & Greater Dallas, TX
When you choose JBS Custom Remodeling for your aging in place home modification needs, you’re choosing a team that combines expertise, compassion, and careful attention to detail. We’re dedicated to helping you create a safer, more comfortable space where you can enjoy independence and peace of mind for years to come. Call us today!
