Common Home Improvements for Aging in Place

If you’re an older adult who lives in the Edmonton area, you may be considering the options for where you live as you age. You may bristle at the idea of moving from a home you’ve lived in for years or even decades — and this makes sense. Handyman Connection can help with specific home repairs for seniors so that you can stay in the place you love for as long as possible.

What Does Aging in Place Mean?

Aging in place is simply a term that describes choosing to grow older in your home instead of moving into an assisted living facility or a nursing home. Aging in place is a great option for seniors who are cognitively and emotionally able to function well when living alone — but these individuals may need to make their home safer by adding measures for accessibility and renovating certain parts of their home to make it more comfortable as they navigate with limited mobility. 

5 Home Repairs for Seniors To Consider If You Wish To Age in Place

Now that you understand the advantages that aging in place can afford you over relocating to an assisted living apartment or another type of care facility, you can determine whether it’s the right choice for you. If you wish to age in place, consider the following five changes that will help you do so with confidence.

1. Make Overdue Repairs and Renovations

If you’ve been residing in a home with a slippery shower or a kitchen that has become a safety hazard for someone with limited mobility, it’s time to make the necessary repairs if you wish to stay in your home long-term. Ideally, you need a bedroom and bathroom on the first floor with the kitchen. If you do not have one, or if your guest bedroom on the first floor can be renovated to make this work for you, talk to us about how we can help.

2. Add Measures for Accessibility

Handrails on the stairs, grips in the shower, and nonskid flooring can do wonders for seniors who wish to remain at home throughout their golden years. If you use a wheelchair, walker, or cane, you may wish to have the doorways widened to easily accommodate your device. 

3. Consider On-Site Medical Help

In-home help that may include nursing assistance, as well as a designated driver for doctor’s appointments and physical therapy, can help you age in place. You might consider turning the basement bedroom into a small apartment for a live-in nurse if you need a caregiver living with you at all times.

4. Reduce Your Daily Chore List

Perhaps you’re doing well living on your own and can comfortably age in place with a few accessibility accommodations such as handrails — but you’re having a significantly hard time doing chores that involve a lot of physical activity. Consider hiring someone to clean your home at least once a month to take these chores off your to-do list. Outsourcing regular chores can help you stay in a clean, maintained home while reducing your risk for injury.

5. Boost the Health of the House

Check the house for mould, radon, and make sure all the windows and doors are adequately sealed before considering to live in an older home (or one that’s never had a “check-up” before). Replace any windows that leak and consider upgrading outdated dishwashers, HVAC systems, and your washer and dryer to avoid preventable safety hazards.

Get In Touch for Repair Services in Edmonton

At Handyman Connection, we pride ourselves on finding innovative and personalized ways to meet our clients’ needs. All of our craftsmen have over a decade’s worth of experience to bring to every job. We will help you find ways for you to stay in your home if this is what you desire! Get in touch with Handyman Connection of Edmonton today to start planning.