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Renovation Tips For Peaceful Aging

Portrait of cheery aging lady and man sitting on carpets in lotus position and smiling

As we age, our lifestyles change, and so do our homes. The needs of older adults change as well. They no longer drive or work outside the home. And because they are more apt to live alone, they need more space than ever before.

Aging in place means living somewhere you are happy, and which better suits your needs than home? Indeed, you cannot strictly “age in place,” but with a little planning and preparation, you can make the most of every moment while enjoying all the benefits of being at home.

It is not easy, but it’s doable. Here are a few renovation for peaceful ageing tips to get you started:

Install A Shower Seat

If you’re planning on using the bathtub or a shower-in-one, you need to install a shower seat. This will allow you to rest your hips, knees, and lower back while you sit on the shower seat, thereby reducing stress on the body.

Install Grab Bars In The Shower

Shower grab bars are a no-brainer. You can purchase them at home centers or online. They’re useful for many things, including making it easier for an older person to get up from the toilet seat and preventing falls.

Replace Doorknobs With Lever Handles

Doorknobs used to be a common fixture of the house. But nowadays, more and more people prefer to use the lever handles. They are easier for the elderly to operate too. There are many different types of handles you can replace for your doorknobs. Regular handles will fit in most openings and are easy to store.

Use Easy-To-Operate Hardware For Windows

Windows need to be easy to open for people with limited hand dexterity and strength. Casement windows are the most commnonly recommended type of window for handicap-accessible home. When searching for a casement window, ensure that the locking hardware and the crank have large handles and are easy to use.

Install A Curbless Shower

Curbless showers not only augment a bathroom’s aesthetic, but they are also useful if you have an elderly at home, a family member with a disability, and have an injury that prevent you from walking properly. Someone in a wheelchair can access the shower without any hindrance in a curbless shower.

Mount Sensor Lighting At Entryways

Notwithstanding that this is a necessary safety function in any house, it can be particularly helpful for  older family members who have impaired nighttime vision to feel safe at home.

Have A Garage Door Opener With A Remote Control

This is a must-have in any garage. When you have a remote control for the garage door opener, you won’t have to look for the keys every time you want to open the door. There are many different brands and models of garage door openers. Look for one that is easy to use and easy to store.

Replace Old-Style Light Switches With Touch Or Rocker Switches

Just like doorknobs, a traditional toggle switch can be too small to see or to handle for an elderly person. A rocker or touch switch is much easier to use.