Home Additions and Improvements that Make a Home Senior Friendly
Many seniors want to remain in their homes for as long as possible. However, the layout and features in their home may not always be the most senior friendly. This can make living in their homes more dangerous unless appropriate changes are made. The following home additions in Needham and the surrounding areas, with the help of a Massachusetts home improvement contractor, can make any home safer for the elderly.
Bathroom Renovations
One of the most important changes you should make to a senior’s home is in the bathroom. Contractors can make recommendations that make the bathroom safer and more accessible. For instance, installing rails in the shower, bath tub and toilet area will ensure seniors don’t slip and fall. Non-slip surfaces and raised toilet seats can also be an advantage for aging individuals who have difficulty getting around.
Pay Attention to Entryways and Hallways
These areas of the home are some of the most difficult areas for seniors to navigate. When creating your Needham custom built floor plans, hallways should be wider to allow for wheelchairs and other accessibility options seniors often use. Entryways are also a hazard for a number of reasons. The threshold is a tripping hazard, especially for seniors who have difficulty walking. When they are carrying bags in from the grocery store or even bringing in the mail, they are at an even greater risk of falling. Keeping thresholds as low as possible will help reduce this risk.
Add Staircase Lifts
Walking up and down the stairs can be dangerous for the elderly. A Massachusetts home improvement contractor can help you pick out the ideal staircase lift and then install it so your senior relatives can safely get up and down the stairs when no one is there to help them. This can give families peace of mind when they can’t be around.
Install Ramps
Whether seniors get around in a wheelchair or scooter or they simply have difficulty with stairs, ramps can be an effective method of getting in and out of the home. These ramps can be included as part of home additions in Needham and the surrounding areas without too much impact on the rest of the home, keeping seniors safer.
When seniors want to stay in their current home, it’s up to their family to make sure the home is safe and accessible for the elderly. Making changes with contractors for home additions in Needham and the surrounding areas will ensure your aging relatives are safe in their homes so you don’t have to worry about an increased risk of falls, allowing seniors to stay in their homes for longer.
If you’re looking for experienced contractors to make an aging loved one’s home safer, contact us. Our Massachusetts contractors can help you find ways to keep your seniors safe.