Creating a Safe and Accessible Home: Home Improvement Ideas for Aging in Place

Do you or someone you care about want to stay in their home as they age but need to make it safer and more accessible? Home improvement projects can help create a safe, comfortable, and inviting environment while allowing seniors the independence to remain in familiar surroundings. 

Whether your goal is remodeling an entire room or making small changes here and there, understanding how specific improvements can benefit aging adults will be important as you plan for the years ahead.

Read on to discover ideas for creating a safe and accessible home that accommodates changing needs without compromising style.

Safe and Accessible Home 1

Install Sturdy Handrails on Both Sides of the Staircase

When keeping our homes safe, we often overlook the importance of handrails on our staircases. Installing sturdy handrails on both sides of the staircase can provide extra stability, reducing the risk of falls and injuries.

Handrails not only provide physical support, but they also give peace of mind to those using the stairs, especially elderly or disabled individuals.

While it might seem like a small addition, handrails can make a significant difference in ensuring the safety of your loved ones and guests. Don’t wait until an accident happens to take action – invest in handrails for your staircase today.

Additionally, the home lift is a unique domestic lift that can fit easily into any home.  

Home lifts will help you stay in the home you love when the stairs become too much and are an ideal and affordable alternative to a stairlift.

Unlike stairlifts, Stiltz domestic lifts are spacious, comfortable, and safe and the home lift can carry up to three people and a wheelchair if required, here you can explore more about home lifts. Additionally, few items are as important as grab bars. Installing a sturdy grab bar near the toilet and bathtub is essential for providing better balance and stability while using these areas of the bathroom. 

You can also add additional grab bars around the shower or tub area to make getting in and out of the water easier. Make sure to choose grab bars that are securely mounted into hollow walls or studs, rather than mounted with just adhesive tape.

Replace Any Outdated Light Fixtures with Brighter Ones for Better Visibility

Are you tired of squinting in dimly lit rooms or struggling to see with outdated light fixtures? It’s time to brighten up your space and improve your visibility.

By replacing those old fixtures with brighter ones, you’ll enhance the overall look and feel of your home or office. Imagine being able to read without straining your eyes or easily locating items without fumbling in the dark.

With updated lighting, you’ll not only increase your comfort but also boost productivity and reduce eye strain. So why wait? Upgrade your lighting today and see the difference!

Install Motion-Sensor Porch Lights 

A well-lit porch not only adds a decorative touch to your home’s exterior but also serves as a deterrent for potential intruders.

If you’re looking to increase your home’s security and make your daily routine a bit more convenient, installing motion-sensor porch lights is the way to go. These lights turn on automatically when motion is detected, providing immediate visibility and added safety for you and your family.

No more fumbling for keys in the dark or struggling to see who’s at the door. Motion-sensor porch lights are a simple and cost-effective solution for boosting your home’s security and improving your daily life.

Create an Accessible Ramp From the Driveway to the Front Door, If Needed

Ensuring accessibility to your home is important for all visitors, regardless of age or mobility. Installing an accessible ramp from your driveway to your front door can make a huge difference to those with limited mobility.

Not only does it make entering and exiting your home easier, but it also adds an element of inclusivity essential for creating a welcoming environment. No one should feel excluded from visiting your home due to a lack of accessibility.

By investing in an accessible ramp, you are not only improving the functionality of your home but also showing that you value inclusivity and diversity in your community.

Add Non-Slip Floor Mats in Bathrooms and Kitchen Areas to Reduce Slipping Risks

Slipping in the bathroom or kitchen can be a nightmare, especially for the elderly and children. With wet floors, it’s easy for accidents to happen. That’s why adding non-slip floor mats in these areas is essential to reducing the risk of slipping.

Not only will they provide safety for the whole family, but they also add a touch of style to your home.

Plus, cleaning them is a breeze, making them a practical solution for busy households. Say goodbye to worrying about slips and falls and hello to peace of mind with non-slip floor mats in your bathroom and kitchen areas.

Upgrade Faucets and Showerheads to Those that are Easier to Use and Control

Upgrading your faucets and showerheads to ones that are easier to use and control may be a small change, but it can make a big difference in your daily routine. Instead of struggling with old, difficult-to-turn knobs, you can easily adjust the temperature and flow of water with new, user-friendly models.

With modern advancements in design and technology, you can find options that are not only easier to use but more energy-efficient as well.

Upgrading your faucets and showerheads can add convenience and comfort to your daily routine while also helping to lower your monthly water bill. So why not make the switch? Your future self will thank you.

Creating a safe and accessible home is essential for those wishing to age in place. Improving the interior and exterior of your home provides more convenience, comfort, and protection to you and your family members.

Whether it be by adding sturdy handrails to the staircase, installing motion-sensor porch lights for extra security, creating an accessible ramp to the front door, replacing outdated light fixtures for better visibility, adding non-slip floor mats in the bathrooms and kitchens areas, or upgrading faucets and showerheads that are easier to use; these home improvements can greatly benefit those looking to live their lives independently while maintaining safety precautions.

Introducing these changes into your household will create a much safer living environment so you can confidently enjoy all of life’s everyday moments right at home!

Julie Higgins
Author
Julie is a Staff Writer at momooze.com. She has been working in publishing houses before joining the editorial team at momooze. Julie's love and passion are topics around beauty, lifestyle, hair and nails.