Proper accessibility is essential for older adults who choose to stay in their home over moving to a retirement community. Whether you or a family member are making plans to age in place, there are several home renovations our team at Peak Improvements can do to ensure the safety and comfort of seniors who have limited mobility. This guide will cover several senior accessibility renovations that we can implement in your home room-by-room, so keep reading to learn more.
Entryway
Exiting and entering can pose several risks for older adults who live in homes with narrow and cramped entryways. We can accommodate wheelchair-bound seniors by installing a widened doorway and ramp to ensure a smoother entry. If you or your loved one require a walker or cane, we can also install slip-resistant flooring to lower the risk of falls.
Living Room
Opening up the space in your living room is a great way to improve mobility if you have a closed-floor design. An open floor plan will make it easier for seniors to navigate with a walker, cane, or wheelchair by removing unnecessary walls and obstacles from their path. Our team can create a new floor plan that allows you to arrange the seating, TV stand, coffee table, and other furniture comfortably while still providing a clear path to and from the living room.
Kitchen
The kitchen is full of potential hazards for seniors with limited mobility. We can adjust the height of cabinets and countertops to allow seniors to use appliances comfortably and access dishes, knives, and cutlery without stretching or bending too far. Installing lever-style faucets will also make it easier for seniors to turn water off and on without overexerting themselves.
Bathroom
Due to the wet surface of bathtubs and showers, the risk of slips and falls is extremely high for older adults who struggle with balance and mobility. To enhance accessibility, we can install walk-in showers and tubs that prevent seniors from needing to be lifted out of their wheelchairs to bathe. Installing grab bars on the sides of the shower and next to the toilet will provide additional stability and support.
Bedroom
A great way to improve accessibility in the bedroom is to modify the closet to lower the height of shelves and pull down closet rods. These additions make reaching clothing, shoes, accessories, and other essentials easier without overexertion or needing assistance. If you or your loved one are dealing with vision impairment, we can also install better lighting to improve visibility and reduce shadows.
Hallways and Stairs
If you live in a two-floor home, adding a stair lift or elevator is a great way to ensure you can move between the different rooms without falling, providing a much safer alternative to climbing stairs. Peak Improvements will team up with quality subcontractors to have your lift installed. Older adults who have an easier time going up the stairs but still need help with balance can benefit from the addition of handrails, which our in-house team will look after.
Age in Place Safely with Peak Improvements
If you or your loved one are moving into later retirement years, our team at Peak Improvements is here to keep you safe with accessibility renovations. Our in-house design team will work with you to create a plan that suits your specific needs, keeping you safe and comfortable as you enjoy your well-earned retirement. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
