By the age of 70, our joints lose 20% to 30% of their flexibility. That explains how that 55% of fall injuries in the elderly population occur within the home.
But, home is not the enemy here; it’s the house arrangement. When our body loses elasticity, it’s time to turn the house into a home where you can age gracefully. Getting a St Petersburg general contractor to remodel your house might just be what you need.
Here are some things you need to keep in mind.
Initial House Adjustments to Elder People
There are a few factors that influence the plan to modify the house according to an elder’s needs:
- Low-physical effort – elders need space that won’t require too much effort to take care of themselves.
- Wider space – older people need more space to move around the house, especially if they’re in a wheelchair or use walkers.
- Minimal danger spots – even if they walk slowly, there are still hazardous spots in the house that need to be taken care of.
The Ultimate Home Modifications for Seniors
Here are the starting points to house modification that lead to elder-friendly comfort:
Enlarged Doorways
The first way to adjust the home for a senior person is to broaden the doors, so they can enter and exit rooms freely without having to pull their walking aids back and forth to fit a door.
Even if the insulations and electrical switches are nearby, it’s not a problem the contractor cannot fix. However, depending on the rearranging complexity, the price might vary.
Consider Ramps
To encourage seniors’ independence who struggle with balance or Alzheimers, you should add extra ramps for them to grab onto if they lose balance on the spot.
This is advisable to implement on stairs with over five steps. Professional contractors measure the house owner’s height and adjust the ramp’s height accordingly.
Kitchen Modifications
Unfortunately, 90% of senior deaths happen in the kitchen. Be it because of cooking appliances or the slippery floors; kitchens are extremely life-threatening spots for older people.
People who use wheelchairs or walkers must have additional support in their kitchens. However, as every kitchen differs from another, contractors must come to see the area and plan the modification. You can expect them to lower the sink, to make the kitchen more accessible with minimal effort. Moreover, the kitchen appliance will also be rearranged to minimize physical effort.
Shower and Bathtub Modifications
The second most dangerous spot in the house is the bathroom. Usually, bathrooms aren’t that wide; they’re slippery and tight. But, regardless of how small the bathroom is, when a person reaches a certain age, it has to be adjusted.
Therefore, if there is a bathtub, you should consider installing a walk-in shower. Bathtubs are extremely dangerous and require lots of effort for an older person.
Premier General Contractor in St Petersburg, FL
If you are looking to turn your home into a senior-friendly one, then look no further. H.E. Feldman & Son is a company with over 40 years of experience in this business and can turn your home into a comfortable senior nest to rest in the best years. We remodel kitchens, bathrooms, and entire houses to fit the needs of our customers.
Schedule a meeting, and start remodeling right away!
