Aging in place allows seniors to live comfortably in familiar surroundings. Some of the changes you can make and adaptive equipment you can purchase to ensure a senior-safe environment are covered below. The bathroom can be particularly dangerous for seniors. Up to 80% of falls in the home occur in the bathroom. You can drastically reduce the number of accidents by making some modifications.
Bathroom Adaptive Equipment
- Grab bars: For seniors with balance issues who struggle to get in and out of the tub. Purchase nonslip bars, preferably ones of a contrasting color to make them easier to see. Install bolted bars rather than suction types.
- Shower chair: Not only do they provide stability when showering, but they're also suitable for resting should you become breathless. Ensure the legs are installed with rubber tips to avoid slipping on wet floors.
- Raised toilet seat: If you have trouble lowering yourself onto a traditional toilet seat, you will benefit from a raised model, which is easy to install. Many of these seats come equipped with grip bars, but it's always best to install additional grab bars on the wall near the toilet for added safety.
- Nonslip mats: To avoid slipping in the tub, you can install a mat with a nonslip surface on the bottom of the tub. To make navigating around the bathroom more accessible, place nonslip rugs or mats in front of the tub, shower, toilet, and sink to minimize the risk of falls on wet surfaces.
A Safer and More Accessible Kitchen
As you get older, the kitchen can become a frightening place with its deep drawers, slippery floors, hard-to-reach cabinets, and poor lighting. There are several things you can do to make it safer and more accessible.
- Cabinets: Install ones with pull-out drawers and trays. Opt for open shelves and lower the height for easy access.
- Flooring: Anti-skid flooring reduces the risk of falls that are more likely on marble or vitrified tile floors. Anti-slip treatment is an option for these types of floors.
- Lighting: Install a combination of ceiling, sink, and countertop lights to allow seniors to access items better as their eyesight deteriorates with age.
- Countertops: To make it easier for seniors to spot things, try to install countertops that differ in color from the cabinets or ensure the edges are a different shade.
When trying to find a good contractor, use reputable sources and interview several before deciding. Ask for references from previous homeowners, and make sure they hold proper licenses. You can avoid the headache of searching for accredited contractors in Charlotte, North Carolina, by looking online.
If you're looking at selling your home for something more accessible, you can use a home proceeds calculator. It will give you an estimate of how much cash you will have leftover once you've sold your home.
Better Quality of Life
Aging in place tends to afford seniors a better quality of life and better physical health, as well as shielding them from the bacterial and viral risks found in senior living facilities. With the addition of some home modifications and the help of professional contractors, seniors can make aging in place a reality.
Visit CSI Bathware to see how professional help can ensure you have high-quality materials to help age in place.
