7 Ways To Prepare Your Home For Retirement
We all love our homes and want to remain living in them as long as possible. Those Grab Bar Guys have some great tips that will allow you to make some simple changes now - say adding some task-lighting in the kitchen - while you start planning for bigger, more expensive projects down the road.
1. Make Mobility Easier Everywhere
Modern houses have grand front porches, elaborate door handles, and raised or sunken decks which may look impressive and lend to curb appeal now. However, as we age, these features quickly become obstacles if you have arthritis or use a wheelchair, walker, or scooter.
- Eliminate steps to decks and patios, levelling them with adjacent indoor rooms.
- Replace doorknobs with levers to ease entry.
- Consider widening doorways to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs.
2. Fall-Proof Your Flooring
Over time, we often upgrade the flooring in our homes; installing hardwood or tile is more popular than ever, even on stairs. When there is a change in transition levels between rooms, stumbling blocks are created. If you are tackling such a flooring project, ensure you eliminate major transitions between rooms. Consider installing anti-slip stair treads and remove any rugs or mats that could easily cause a fall. Choosing the proper flooring materials will make a big difference in fall prevention.
3. Lighting Improves Safety
As we age, our eyes slowly deteriorate and can no longer adjust quickly for maximum visibility. Motion-sensor lights can make a big difference when using the bathroom in the middle of the night. In the kitchen, task-lighting and under-cabinet lights will ensure proper visibility. Lighting in hallways and down stairways will also become increasingly important.
4. Easy On / Easy Off
Arthritis and loss of hand strength become issues as we age. Those Grab Bar Guys install easy on / easy off faucets and light switches to combat these troubles. Having a single lever faucet not only makes it easier to turn on or off, it eliminates the risk of accidentally scalding yourself by forgetting to temper the hot water with the cold. Paddle style light switches are simple to install and make turning lights on or off as easy as a quick touch.
5. Simplify Your Kitchen
6. Create a First-Floor Master Bedroom
Being able to access your bedroom without climbing stairs will become a priority. Adding a first-floor master suite to your existing home eliminates this problem and increases house value.
7. Replace Tubs with Walk/Roll-in Showers
One of the hottest trends for boomers in swapping out soaker tubs for stylish walk/roll-in showers with benches. Deep tubs become extremely difficult to enter or exit as one ages. Installing an accessible washroom will not only improve safety, it will increase the value of your home.
Those Grab Bar Guys will work with you to create a safe and comfortable living space you will be proud to show off for years to come.
Thanks for reading!
Michael Finch
Owner
Those Grab Bar Guys
1-844-THOSE-GUYS
(1-844-846-7348)
www.ThoseGrabBarGuys.com
info@ThoseGrabBarGuys.com
