This post made possible by site supporter Jane Brown
Getting older means making adjustments in life to fit your changing needs, especially in the home. As we age independent living comes with key considerations, particularly about the features of a house and the construction. While you still have the energy and dexterity, you may want to think about making a few modifications so your home suits your needs as you get older and makes life more convenient until then.
Install a Stairlift
So many seniors move out of a home they love and have made memories in, simply because getting up and down the stairs to the second story is too burdensome. Many people see this as an impossible obstacle to get around short of putting in an elevator, but there’s another option that’s more affordable and easier to install.
A stairlift runs on a track that’s secured to the wall of the staircase. You sit in the seat, strap in and push a button to be shuttled up or down the stairs in seconds. Some models can even curve around the banister if needed.
Irish Stairlifts ultimately make getting around your home much safer if you aren’t sure footed on stairs. Look for models that have feet and armrests so it’s easier to get out of the chair. Safety features like sensors that detect something in the way and a backup power supply are also essential.
Add a Ramp or Flatten the Entry to the Front Door
Another set of stairs that needs to be addressed is the steps to the front entry. Many homes only have one or two steps to get to the front door, but that could be enough to cause problems once you reach a certain age or have to use a wheelchair.
A ramp or flat entry makes it much easier to access the home whether you’re in a wheelchair or pushing a stroller. It also makes getting out during an emergency much quicker and safer.
It’s best to keep the ramp or flat entry to an 8% incline or less. One of the simplest ways to achieve this is to rework the landscaping. Earth fill can be used to raise the ground level and create a gentle slope. You can then create a three-foot-wide concrete walkway that connects to the driveway.
Widen the Doorways
Getting through a typical doorway can become challenging if you end up using a walker or wheelchair. The average home in the U.S. is not built to be wheelchair accessible. However, wide doorways are a key feature of new homes that are being built using universal design. Universal design is meant to make a building or home usable for everyone, including those with disabilities.
Universal design calls for doorways that are at least three foot wide.
Lower the Countertops
Another consideration is the height of the countertops. If you plan to remodel your kitchen in the near future opt for countertops that are lower than your standard options. Lower countertops make the kitchen more wheelchair-friendly without impeding functionality. Try to keep the height of counters around 32-34 inches. Some universal design experts suggest making the kitchen countertops low but keeping the island countertop at a standard height.
Non-slip Options in the Showers and Tubs
One of the biggest dangers for senior citizens is slipping in the shower or tub. The best option is to remodel at least one bathroom so that there’s a shower with a smooth flat entry. Instead of creating a lip to contain the water, the floor of the shower is gently angled so water flows to the drain.
If there isn’t enough in the remodeling budget for a full redesign there are a few other things you can do to improve an existing shower or bathtub.
- Handrails can be added to provide support and stability.
- Switch to a showerhead that can be handheld.
- Use a single lever for the faucet rather than dual hot/cold knobs.
- Replace smooth, slippery bathroom flooring with a textured surface that provides more grip.
- Use an anti-slip coating, tread or adhesive appliques.
Replace Doorknobs With Levers Handles
As we age our eyesight and motor skills aren’t as sharp as they used to be. Something as simple as opening the door can become more of a pain than it needs to be. Circumvent the issue altogether by replacing slippery doorknobs with lever handles.
Use Shelves That Slide
Who likes having to dig to the back of a shelf to find something? Kitchen shelves that slide out like drawers make it much easier to find and grab what you need no matter how old you are.
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Photo Credit: Getty Images
Jane,you must do better research. No stairlifts attach to walls. They all attach with brackets to the steps. As a sales advisor in this industry for 15 years it’s proven that misinformation like this discourages people from buying stairlifts,they”don’t want screw holes in the walls”.
Stairlifts are tremendous additions to people’s lives but folks have negative feelings about them until of course they get one and see the minimal impact on their home.