4 Outdoor Home Modifications for Seniors Aging in Place

Aging in place brings dignity and comfort during a person’s golden years. Necessary home repairs for seniors may include modifications to the exterior of the home that help with safety, security, and peace of mind. We can create lights, pathways, ramps, and railings to help seniors stay in their homes and get around more easily. 

1. Lights

One effective option is to have a floodlight attached to the outside of your house that comes on and shines across the yard anytime someone is walking through the driveway or sidewalk. This illuminates their path and all obstacles within it. We can set it on a timer for motion-activation so that as soon as the car appears in the driveway, the light turns on, and as soon as everyone is inside, the light turns itself off. No need to worry about switches or wasting valuable electricity. These motion-sensitive lamps are also a great deterrent for thieves and vandals during the middle of the night. 

2. Pathways

We can also install small, solar-powered LED lanterns at regular intervals along the walk up to the house, to the mailbox, gates, and flower beds. These usually look like small pagodas only six inches from the ground or so. They are especially useful to create a barrier where the cement ends and the grass begins. It is easy to fall off a sidewalk without a well-lit pathway. Any stairs and steps that lead to the home can also be illuminated with under-rail lighting.

3. Install Ramps

One of the most difficult parts of aging in place is the reduced ability to climb stairs. Even one step up into the house can create a hazard for a person with limited mobility. Wheelchairs, canes, and walkers all need a smooth ramp to function safely. We know how to remove wooden and concrete steps or retrofit your existing porch with a low-gradient ramp that gently leads straight to your door. We can also install these at the base of the curb for easy loading and unloading of vehicles. 

4. Railings

An easy-to-overlook aspect of repair services in Mississauga is installing handrails to help with balance while getting around the outside of a house. These can be fashioned out of wrought iron, metal, fibreglass, or wood, depending on what you already have installed. Any anchor that gives someone added balance or just a quick break from walking will help them remain independent and free of injury. 

Railings are helpful not only along a sidewalk or near stairs, but also to create a barrier at the corner edge of a porch or patio. It may not be necessary to bring every surface down to the ground level, as long as any risk of falling is mitigated by the presence of a sturdy fence or rail. Sometimes, those with failing eyesight may inaccurately estimate the distance of where the platform ends. Adding a railing creates a clear visual that reduces risk and increases safety when watering plants or walking outdoors. 

Reliable Home Repairs for Seniors in Mississauga

At Handyman Connection, we pride ourselves on serving the local community and creating solutions for all homeowners. We have been doing this for 20 years, and our skilled craftsmen have over 10 years of experience on the job. Our customers report that our technicians are consistently polite, thorough, professional, and friendly. 

We strive to deliver quality workmanship and superior customer service. Contact us today for a free project estimate. Simply tell us where the work will be done, a little about yourself, your project, and when we can contact you. We’ll take care of the rest.