Let’s be real. Assisted living is not for everyone. Some mature adults prefer residing in their homes over moving to a strange place and adapting to a community of neighbors who they may or may not get along with. However, it is perfectly possible to safely live in your home with limited assistance from a caregiver. Here are three design upgrades needed to do such a thing.
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Replace doorknobs and update doorways
Exchange doorknobs that turn with extended levers that you can quickly push down on to enter a room. Upgrading at least the entryway to accommodate wheelchairs and other objects used to assist you in getting around is the best way to secure safety when entering and exiting the family home. On average, an entrance that is at least 36 inches wide is enough room for a wheelchair to get into the home without scraping against the door’s frame. The entryway should also have a ramp installed instead of steps as seniors are more prone to accidents when stairs are the central entrance source to a house. You should remember to add slip-resistant material to the ramp to further decrease the possibility of an incident.
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Modify stairways inside of the home
The stairways are often the most dangerous areas of the home for seniors. It is while going up and down steps inside of the home that many mature adults lose their footing and fall. What’s worse about falling down the stairs is the potential severity of such an accident. Stairway incidents have permanently crippled some seniors, and a few elderly individuals have died as a result of injuries sustained in falls involving indoor steps. Seniors can protect themselves by installing sturdy railways that help with regaining footing after missing a step. Investing in a transfer seat may be the best option for elderly individuals wanting to maintain their independence with limited help from caregivers.
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Invest in walk-in tubs
A walk-in tub becomes more of a necessity than a luxury during the golden years. The best walk-in tubs fit into the theme of the bathroom instead of standing out. You want visitors to know that your powder room has the latest accessibility features, but you do not want one object to be the center of attraction. The idea of design is to make the entire room functional. Your choice walk-in tub should, therefore, be proficient in use and have a style that contributes to the overall theme of the room without overpowering other accessories in the space.
Bring your fabulous fashion sense to the forefront when you are making your home accessible. No one ever said that safety does not equal style.