As we age, our bodies don’t stay the same. In fact, it goes through a lot of changes. These changes can make it challenging to live independently in our own homes. For example, going to the bathroom can be a challenge if you have mobility issues. Or, reaching for items on high shelves can be difficult if you have arthritis.
A home shouldn’t be a place where we have to worry about these things. That’s why it’s crucial for seniors to invest in home modifications that will make their lives easier and safer. Making home modifications can help seniors live more independently and safely in their own homes.
In this article, we’re going to list five home modifications that are essential for any senior household.
Grab Bars
If you have mobility issues, grab bars can be a lifesaver. Grab bars provide support and stability when getting in and out of the shower or bathtub. They’re also super helpful in keeping your balance when using the toilet. Most importantly, grab bars can help prevent falls.
Other than that, grab bars are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. The good news is that most home improvement stores carry grab bars. However, before making a purchase, be sure to measure the space where you want to install the grab bars. This will ensure that you get the right size for your needs.
Keep in mind that grab bars in existing homes require to have proper blocking or the use of fasteners that can go through drywall or sheetrock and hold 300-800 pounds of force. Installing a grab bars cost around $340 on average.
Bathroom Upgrades
The bathroom can be a dangerous place for senior adults. It has a lot of slippery surfaces and is often a place where falls and accidents often happen. A good way to prevent falls and injuries in the bathroom is to reduce the chances by investing in bathroom upgrades. For example, to have a safer bathing experience, seniors can invest in walk-in tubs or roll-in showers.
Walk-in tubs are known for easy access and doors that allow you to step into the tub without having to lift your leg over the edge. They also have built-in seats to relax and enjoy your bath.
Besides the apparent safety features, walk-in tubs also provide excellent hydrotherapy benefits and can help with arthritis, joint pain, and circulation issues. Walk-in tubs are also easy to clean and maintain due to their anti-bacterial and slip-resistant surfaces.
Walk-in tubs, however, can take a while to fill up and drain, which can leave the person in it feeling cold. Another alternative that would be just as effective is a roll-in shower. Roll-in showers are designed for people to roll into the shower using a shower wheelchair. They’re much easier to use but are much more cost-effective in the long run. They can also give a better return on investment on resale.
Walk-in tubs can cost between $3,000 and $10,000 and roll-in showers can cost between $2,000 and $7,000.
Non-Slip Flooring
If you’re worried about falls, non-slip flooring is a must. You can install non-slip flooring in any room of your home, but it’s vital in the bathroom since bathrooms are filled with slippery surfaces and are one of the most common places for senior falls.
There are various types of flooring materials that are non-slip, such as vinyl, cork, bamboo, carpet, and rubber. n addition to non-slip flooring, you should consider securing your rugs and furniture to the floor. This will prevent them from slipping and causing falls. Flooring installation costs may vary but they usually range from $1,515 to $4,677.
Stair Chair Lifts or Ramps
If you have stairs in your home, a stair chair lift or a ramp can make life much easier. Stair chair lifts allow you to safely and efficiently get up and down the stairs. Ramps cost around $2,000 and provide a safe way to enter and exit your home without having to use the stairs.
Stair-chair lifts cost around $3,250 to $7,500. Although stair-chair lifts might seem a tad expensive, they’re actually quite affordable considering the use you’ll get out of them. If your budget is limited and you’d also like to minimize costs, you can even find used stair chair lifts online or at home improvement stores.
Stair-chair lifts can be a bit of a challenge to navigate around the chair. Either way, stair chair lifts are worthwhile investments and can vastly improve your quality of life. When installing a stair chair lift, make sure to get it professionally installed.
Motion Sensor Lights
As we age, it may become challenging to see things clearly. This can make it difficult to see in low-light conditions. Motion sensor lights are a great solution because they automatically turn on when they sense movement, so you don’t have to worry about looking for light switches in the dark.
Motion sensor lights are also highly convenient since they automatically turn on and off. One of the perks of these lights is that you can save money on your electricity bill since you won’t have to leave the lights on all day or night. You can find motion sensor lights at most home improvement stores or online. The average cost of these lights ranges from $15 to $65 each.
Wrapping Up
It’s important to feel comfortable in your own home. As we age, our homes need to adapt to the changes our bodies go through. Making small home modifications can make a big difference in the safety and comfort of your home. If you’re a senior or have an aging family member, we highly recommend investing in these home modifications. With just a few simple changes, your home can be a safer and more comfortable place to live.
