Home Improvements for Seniors: 10 Improvements to Boost Comfort and Safety

Our loved ones will be able to live comfortably and independently in their own homes provided the proper home improvements for seniors are made.

As we become older, our bodies change, and we could lose the ability to do activities that we once could. This is also true for our elderly parents, who may experience a variety of age-related conditions like arthritis, visual impairments, and balance problems. For many seniors, these difficulties can make routine tasks like cooking, cleaning, and taking a shower difficult or even impossible.

By making their houses more accessible and convenient to navigate, appropriate home improvements for seniors can support our loved ones in maintaining their independence. Seniors can bathe safely and independently by installing grab bars in showers or a stairlift, for instance. These changes may have a significant impact on an older person’s quality of life. Home improvements can boost freedom while simultaneously lowering the chance of slips, trips, and other mishaps.

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Which Home Improvements For Seniors Should You Invest In?

There are numerous possibilities for home modifications, and the ideal one for you will rely on your unique requirements and difficulties. Here are 10 home improvements that are ideal for senior citizens. These improvements will enable your loved one seniors to live independently and safeguard them from potential dangers.

1) Widening Doorways

Widening doorways is one home improvement that can significantly improve senior citizens’ quality of life. This is crucial if they use a wheelchair or walker since they may find it challenging or even impossible to move through tiny entrances. They will have more space to move and won’t have to worry about getting stuck if the doorways are made wider.

2) Ramps

For senior people who have trouble moving around their houses, ramps can be of great assistance. They make it simple and safe to enter and depart the house, and they can be used to transport groceries and other stuff. Ramps can be created out of a variety of materials, such as concrete, metal, and wood, and they can be tailored to suit the requirements of any home.

3) Walk-In Bathtubs

If a member of your family has difficulty entering and exiting a regular bathtub, a walk-in tub can be the best option. Seniors who use walk-in tubs benefit from safer and easier access to bathing. This kind of tub has a door that enables entry without requiring the user to elevate their legs over the side.

This can be especially useful for senior citizens who struggle to enter and exit a standard bathtub due to arthritis or other medical concerns. To bathe without lifting your legs over the side of the tub, they often have low thresholds and built-in seats.

4) Curbless Showers

A curbless shower is yet another fantastic alternative for seniors who struggle with showering. It is simple to enter and exit curbless showers because they have a low threshold and are wheelchair accessible.
Showers without curbs or lip around the edge are one sort of curbless shower. As there is no chance of stumbling or falling, this can make bathing safer. Grab bars and built-in benches are frequently seen in curbless showers, which further increases safety and makes bathing simpler for people with restricted mobility.

5) Senior Personal Alarms

Another home improvement that can be beneficial for our loved ones as they age is the installation of personal alarms. A personal alarm might be of great assistance should they trip or get hurt. Personal alarms are intended to save lives in these circumstances. They typically create a loud noise that can draw attention, which enables anyone close to assist them. If necessary, they can also be used to contact for assistance.

6) Smart home gadgets

Seniors who want to live more independently might consider smart home technology. Lighting, door locks, and thermostats are among the things that smart home appliances can handle. They can also be used to keep an eye on tasks like cooking and taking a shower. You may make their home more convenient and manageable by making an investment in smart home technology.

7) Stairlifts

If your parents live in a two-story house, stairlifts are essential.

A stairlift can save a person’s life if their home contains steps. For those who struggle to climb stairs, stairlifts are a terrific alternative. By offering a simple and secure means to ascend and descend the stairs, they can significantly ease life. Your loved one will be transported up and down the stairs easily thanks to their installation on both straight and curved staircases.

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8) Grab Bars

Grab bars can be installed in key areas of the house to assist avoid falls and other mishaps. Grab bars can offer much-needed stability and support for elderly. In order to prevent falls in older persons who have balance disorders or are at risk of falling, grab bars are a necessary house alteration. Grab bars can be installed in a number of places, including the shower, next to the toilet, close to the stairs, or even close to a bed or sofa – almost wherever that might call for a little bit of more effort and balance.

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9) Non-Slip Surfaces

Seniors need a safe environment at home, therefore non-slip flooring is crucial.

Non-slip flooring is another home improvement for seniors that can assist prevent falls. This kind of flooring is intended to offer more stability and traction than conventional flooring. Non-slip alternatives are an excellent idea for choosing flooring for spill-prone areas.

This kind of flooring may keep your area looking neat and orderly while also preventing mishaps. You can choose a non-slip floor among the many that are offered on the market based on your preferences and demands.

10) Motion-Activated Lights

Installing motion sensored lights is the last home improvement that might be beneficial for senior citizens.

If they have trouble seeing in dim light, this is helpful. There are several places where automated lighting can be implemented, including stairways, toilets, and hallways. They don’t have to search for a switch to turn on these lights; they’ll do it for them when they need it.

You won’t need to be concerned about your loved one stumbling around in the dark or leaving lights on when they aren’t needed as a result. Because they only turn on when someone is in the room and you can configure them to turn off soon after, they can also help you save money on your energy bill.

Conclusion

Seniors living more independently and safely can benefit from a variety of home improvements. These are but a few of the most widely used choices. The home improvement that best suits your loved one’s tastes and needs will win out in the end.

It’s crucial to speak with an expert before looking for home improvements for seniors. They can assist you in determining your needs and offer advice that is appropriate for you. You can get the ideal home improvement to make life easy with their assistance.