Create a Senior-Friendly Home

As you begin to notice an increasing number of aches, pains, and physical complications that just won’t go away, you may want to consider changing some of the features in your home to create a more “senior-friendly” environment. You can make these changes for yourself as you plan to age in place or complete them for a loved one.

Professional Helping Hands

Of course, one of the easiest ways to remain in your home is to seek home care Massachusetts services. Choose certified, licensed service providers to help you maintain your independence as long as possible. After arranging this helpful care, consider the changes you can make to your home.

Getting Up to the Door

One of the first areas of focus is the entry to the home. Are there uneven surfaces along the walkway to the front door? How many steps are required to get into the home? If necessary, repave sidewalks and other walkways to create a smooth surface. If there are many steps, build a ramp with non-slip skids up to the front door. Put rails on both sides of the ramp or the stairs.

Passing Through the Entryway

There are other risks at all home entryways. These include slick floors just inside the door. Entryways are especially risky when it’s dark, when your hands are full, or when there’s bad weather outside. A good way to overcome all of these obstacles is to create at least one entryway that is sheltered from the elements, has a convenient motion-sensor light for visibility, and has a solid surface for setting down bundles and anything else you’re carrying.

Walking Around Inside the Home

Take a look at the floors inside the home. If there’s loose carpeting or cracked vinyl flooring, there’s an increased risk of falling. Replace worn flooring with carpets or runners that provide a level surface with secure footing. Move vases, small carpets, and other potential obstacles away from any paths in the home.

Once you’ve completed these three areas of the home, it’s time to move onto bathrooms, bedrooms, and the kitchen. Growing older can be painful in many ways, but some of the frustrations of decreased mobility can be reduced. Consider hiring a helping hand, and take steps to make home living easier to do on your own.