Kitchen and Bath Renovations to Keep Seniors Safe
When it comes to home remodeling in Massachusetts, the two rooms that seem to get the most attention are the kitchen and bathroom. Add in the factor of making a home safer for seniors and these two rooms require some changes to ensure seniors can age in place with fewer risks. Whether you need a home addition in Needham to accommodate some of these changes or you’re simply looking to complete renovations, the following options are among your best choices.
Improved Storage Options
Take a look around the kitchen. While some of the cabinets may be lower and easily within reach, there are likely others that require either some stretching or even climbing onto a chair or step ladder to reach items. This can be extremely dangerous for seniors, especially those who suffer from balance issues, which are common as individuals age. One of the first things you should talk to your remodeling contractors in Needham, MA, about is how to make items in the kitchen more easily accessible to help keep your senior loved ones safer as they cook and take care of their dietary needs.
Remodeling contractors can guide you in choosing the right changes.
Keep Safety in Mind
Not only is trying to reach items placed high up dangerous to seniors but so is simply using the bathroom on a regular basis. Slips and falls are among some of the most common causes of serious injury in the elderly population. Many of these accidents occur in the bathroom due to the presence of water from bathing and handwashing. Installing grip bars near the toilet and the bathing area can help prevent many of these accidents, but it’s not the only thing you should consider in your home remodeling in Massachusetts. In addition, consider changing the bathtub out for a walk-in shower with plenty of space for a wheelchair, if required, and no risk of tripping over the frame of a shower.
Accessibility
The shower isn’t the only aspect of the bathroom where accessibility should be a factor. For instance, if your aging loved one is in a wheelchair, lowering cabinets, sinks and other features may be necessary to make it easier for them to handle tasks by themselves. While your contractor is lowering countertops and other features to make them easier to reach, in many cases the toilet should be raised to ensure easier transfers between the chair and the toilet. If your current bathroom isn’t easy to renovate or you wish to keep a bathroom that is easier for others to use, a home addition in Needham can resolve this issue.
Keeping seniors safe is a top priority. For those who wish to age in place, home renovations, especially in the kitchen and bathroom, can be the perfect solution to make the home easier to use and safer. Talking to experienced contractors can help you to make the right decisions and create a plan that meets the needs of seniors both now and in the future.
If you’re looking for help creating a safer home for the senior citizens in your life, contact us. We can help you design the kitchen and bathroom renovations that best meet their needs.
