home additions, home renovations

Aging in place safely often requires making adjustments to your home to ensure your safety and make life easier. Most people think about interior remodeling services in Wellesley to accomplish this goal, but there are also changes to the exterior of your home you should consider. The following are some of the factors you should discuss with your remodeling contractors in Massachusetts.

Entrances

The entrance to your home can be a safety hazard if it’s not designed to accommodate your changing needs as you get older. Higher thresholds can create a tripping hazard. Instead, choose a doorway with no lip. If you have mobility issues or suspect you may in the future, installing a ramp can also be beneficial to make it easier to get in and out of your home. You should also consider an awning or other cover over your entryway to keep the area from getting too slippery. 

Walkways

Poorly maintained walkways leading up to your home can be a significant hazard for seniors in particular. As part of your home remodeling in Wellesley, MA, talk to your contractors about what changes they would recommend for your walkways. In addition to ensuring the cement is in good condition without significant cracks or gaps, keep trees and bushes trimmed away from the walkways and consider installing a curb to keep garden debris off the paths.

Proper Lighting

Age in place more safely with exterior remodeling services.

Visibility is essential to keep seniors safe. Because their vision is often deteriorating to varying degrees, it can be more challenging for them to see in the dark. Install lighting in a way that lights all primary walkways to the house to ensure seniors can see when they return home after dark. Ensuring proper lighting will reduce the risk of falls and keep seniors safe around their homes, even when they’re outside.

Senior-Friendly Gardens

Many seniors love spending time gardening to pass time and keep them occupied throughout the day. However, a traditional garden placed at ground level can be uncomfortable for many seniors to reach, especially for a prolonged amount of time. Consider talking to your remodeling contractors in Massachusetts about installing raised garden beds to make the process of gardening as easy as possible for seniors.

Easy-to-Read House Numbers

One factor that’s easy to overlook is the size of the house numbers. While seniors don’t often have trouble finding their home, their visitors may struggle, making larger numbers an excellent option to improve visibility from the street. These larger numbers can also be beneficial to help emergency crews find the home faster if your loved one has a medical emergency that needs prompt attention.

If you’re completing home remodeling in Wellesley, MA, to make your senior loved one’s home safe, contact us to learn more about how we can help.