In the past, when people reached their senior years it was common for them to move in with their children or into a senior living facility. However, more and more seniors are finding ways to age in place—that is, they are finding ways to continue living in their homes.
In the past, when people reached their senior years it was common for them to move in with their children or into a senior living facility. However, more and more seniors are finding ways to age in place—that is, they are finding ways to continue living in their homes. One of the things that enables seniors to stay in their homes is the availability of in-home elder care. Elder care providers help family caregivers to ensure their loved ones receive the assistance they need to remain as independent as possible. While there’s no doubt that elder care providers are invaluable to families hoping to allow their senior parents stay in their homes, sometimes the homes themselves need some changes to make them usable and safe for seniors. In some cases, the changes can be minor, like installing grab bars or stair rails. Sometimes the changes are bigger and require remodeling. If your parent is contemplating making changes to their home, here are four remodeling tips that could help them to age in place.
#1 Make the Bathroom a Priority
AARP suggests that bathrooms be the top priority on a remodeling list aimed at allowing seniors to age in place. If your parents live in a two-story house without a full main floor bathroom, finding a way to put one in could mean the difference between being able to stay in the house and having to move. If there is a bathroom on the main floor, check to make certain the doorway is at least 32 inches wide so that walkers and wheelchairs can fit through should there ever be a need for them. Also, install an accessible shower and a taller toilet. Grab bars are also a must to give your aging parent something to hold on to, which will reduce the risk of falling.
#2 Remodel the Kitchen for Convenience
Look for ways to make the kitchen easier for aging parents to use. For example, add places where your parent can sit while preparing food. If your parent’s floor is ceramic tile, think about changing it for a softer material that will put less strain on legs, such as linoleum, wood, or cork.
#3 Create an Accessible Laundry Room
A main floor laundry can make it easier for your parents to live independently. Carrying heavy laundry baskets up and down stairs is not only difficult, it can also be dangerous for seniors who aren’t as steady on their feet. Make sure the laundry room is easy to get in and out of and that your parents can easily reach everything they need.
#4 Make the House More Accessible
The outside of the house may need some remodeling for accessibility as well. A couple steps up to the house may not seem like they would pose a problem, but for seniors with joint problems or who use a walker or wheelchair, steps can be nearly impossible. Add ramps at entryways instead so that your parents can continue to get into the house without trouble even if they are wheelchair bound.
If you or an aging family member are considering elder care in Bergen County, New Jersey, please contact the caring staff at A Joy Home Care today. (201)941-4900
Sources
http://www.aarp.org/home-garden/housing/info-01-20…
http://ageinplace.com/at-home/aging-in-place-home-…
In the past, when people reached their senior years it was common for them to move in with their children or into a senior living facility. However, more and more seniors are finding ways to age in place—that is, they are finding ways to continue living in their homes. One of the things that enables seniors to stay in their homes is the availability of in-home elder care. Elder care providers help family caregivers to ensure their loved ones receive the assistance they need to remain as independent as possible. While there’s no doubt that elder care providers are invaluable to families hoping to allow their senior parents stay in their homes, sometimes the homes themselves need some changes to make them usable and safe for seniors. In some cases, the changes can be minor, like installing grab bars or stair rails. Sometimes the changes are bigger and require remodeling. If your parent is contemplating making changes to their home, here are four remodeling tips that could help them to age in place.
#1 Make the Bathroom a Priority
AARP suggests that bathrooms be the top priority on a remodeling list aimed at allowing seniors to age in place. If your parents live in a two-story house without a full main floor bathroom, finding a way to put one in could mean the difference between being able to stay in the house and having to move. If there is a bathroom on the main floor, check to make certain the doorway is at least 32 inches wide so that walkers and wheelchairs can fit through should there ever be a need for them. Also, install an accessible shower and a taller toilet. Grab bars are also a must to give your aging parent something to hold on to, which will reduce the risk of falling.
#2 Remodel the Kitchen for Convenience
Look for ways to make the kitchen easier for aging parents to use. For example, add places where your parent can sit while preparing food. If your parent’s floor is ceramic tile, think about changing it for a softer material that will put less strain on legs, such as linoleum, wood, or cork.
#3 Create an Accessible Laundry Room
A main floor laundry can make it easier for your parents to live independently. Carrying heavy laundry baskets up and down stairs is not only difficult, it can also be dangerous for seniors who aren’t as steady on their feet. Make sure the laundry room is easy to get in and out of and that your parents can easily reach everything they need.
#4 Make the House More Accessible
The outside of the house may need some remodeling for accessibility as well. A couple steps up to the house may not seem like they would pose a problem, but for seniors with joint problems or who use a walker or wheelchair, steps can be nearly impossible. Add ramps at entryways instead so that your parents can continue to get into the house without trouble even if they are wheelchair bound.
If you or an aging family member are considering elder care in Bergen County, New Jersey, please contact the caring staff at A Joy Home Care today. (201)941-4900
Sources
http://www.aarp.org/home-garden/housing/info-01-20…
http://ageinplace.com/at-home/aging-in-place-home-…