Preparing Your Home for Aging in Place
If you are considering living in your home for as long as possible, you might need to future proof it. That involves making upgrades that will allow you to stay in the house comfortably, even as you get older. It might sound intimidating, but a little preparation now will make your golden years that much easier.
Consider Adding an Elevator
Some people age in place by living on one level, but depending on the design of your home, that might not be practical. You might have a washing machine in the basement but need to go upstairs for other tasks. If that is the case, you could consider installing a home elevator. That way, you can more easily travel between floors. Products like the Stiltz Duo Home Elevator can be installed nearly anywhere in your home, letting you easily move around.
Using the Downstairs
You can make your home easier to navigate by changing the master bedroom to be downstairs. As you get older, you may find adding an electric bed makes it easier to get in and out at night. There are also poles that can be installed between the ceiling and bed to provide a bit of support for getting in and out of bed. You’ll want to go for more open, spacious areas instead of narrow halls or smaller rooms. It is also best to get rid of hazards, like clutter or throw rugs. Instead, add railings around the steps and ensure the halls are well lit. But that doesn’t mean you need to have bright lights anywhere. You could add softer lighting between the bathroom and bedroom, so there is less difference going from the dark to a bright area. Visit sites like callbigfamily.com/residential-electrical/residential-indoor-lighting-fixtures/ for additional guidance regarding lighting fixtures. And if you are looking to repair your old heating and air conditioning unit, then you might want to hire an air conditioning professional for expert heating and air conditioner repair services like the specialist in ac in Tampa.
Try ensuring the main living areas are downstairs. For example, determine whether you can easily access clean clothing and if the laundry is easy to do. Ensure you have a comfortable chair and great lighting so you can read when it’s darker. If you choose the right contractor, they can examine the transitions between rooms. For instance, some types of thresholds can be tripping hazards, but you could have them covered with small ramps. And it is best to add a contrasting color to the tops of your staircases and other areas where tripping could be a hazard.
Upgrading the Bathrooms
When you are older, the bathroom could be a major source of trouble since it is easy to accidentally slip and fall. It is important that you have enough space in your bathroom, especially if need access to a caregiver or wheelchair needs to be there. Consider adding grab bars around showers and toilets. Some types can fold up when you are not using them, ensuring you always have enough space. And a toilet that sits up a bit higher is often easier to use.
Some people find replacing the tub with a shower makes it easier to get in and out. There are even shower stalls with no lips to make it easier to move a walker or wheelchair in. And you’ll also want to look for non-slip mats designed to stay in place more permanently than removable ones. On top of these upgrades, basic plumbing maintenance such as drain cleaning must be prioritized.