The U.S. has an aging population. More people are or are relatively close to becoming seniors. Most seniors prefer to age in place, meaning they want to stay in their own homes as they get older. Staying in the house is an attractive option that the aging can achieve with some modifications. In this post, NU Tub reviews home improvements for aging seniors.
Install Ramps
Many seniors struggle with accessibility as they age. Getting up, down, and around can be pretty challenging, and they risk injury from falls, too. Wheelchair-bound or not, installing ramps makes getting about much more manageable. The best place to install a ramp is at entry points around the house.
Widen Doorways
Aging seniors, as well as those with disabilities, sometimes require wheelchairs for mobility. Although wheelchairs have come a long way, they still struggle to get through standard doorways. Thus, widening doorways can make a massive difference for people to get from room to room without bumps and frustration.
Handles in Bathrooms
Many tragic accidents happen in homes around the U.S. every year, especially in bathrooms. People of any age can slip and fall on wet tile, but the elderly are at greater risk. Therefore, installing handles and grab bars in bathrooms makes the list of home improvements for aging seniors. In addition to avoiding slips, grab bars can help people lower to and stand from the commode comfortably and confidently.
Tub to Shower Conversions
As you age, stepping over the side of the bathtub to take a shower can become quite a task. You must lift your leg relatively high to step into the tub if you think about it. Not only is this difficult, but it can also throw your loved one off balance and cause a fall. Performing a tub-to-shower conversion reduces this risk and makes showering more manageable and safer.
Lower Countertops
Lowering the countertops provides accessibility, and they’re not overly obvious to others. Aging seniors, those in wheelchairs, and those living with other disabilities often benefit from lower countertops. While you’re at it, you can also refinish the countertops for a nice touch. In fact, if you make some of these changes, you may find that you can cater to a specific market when the time comes to re-sell the house.
What’s the Cost?
You can make these and other home improvements for aging seniors to allow them to age in place, but at what cost? Well, that depends on what changes you make. Additionally, you should factor in the price of assisted living and other residential options. You may well find that these home improvements not only keep aging loved ones at home but also make financial sense.
NU Tub Can Help
If you or a loved one is considering home improvements to kitchen counters, bathroom, or other areas, call NU Tub at (217) 552-1850. We proudly serve customers in Peoria, Springfield, and the surrounding area. Check out our customer reviews and get a free quote.