Regina Home Repairs: How To Make Your Stairs Safer For Seniors

Seniors who wish to age in place in their own home or in the home of a loved one may find that there are many structural features they must adjust in order to safely navigate their space. One of the primary challenges seniors face is travelling up and down flights of stairs. Stairs, after all, can be physically taxing to maneuver and increase the chances of falling. Consider several ways you can modify your house’s steps, as well as other elements of your space, to make your home more conducive to aging in place.

Stair Adjustments

Stairwell renovations come in many different varieties, some being more involved than others. Minor changes to the surface of your stairs, for instance, may be helpful. Some homeowners may choose to remove carpet runners and apply non-slip flooring materials to reduce the risk of slipping or tripping. Similarly, you could paint or stain every other step in a new shade to improve visibility.

Other stairwell improvements may involve more in-depth work. For instance, you could add a railing along the wall so you have something to grip while maneuvering the stairs. Many seniors also choose to incorporate motion-sensor lights into their stairways so they have hands-free, clear visibility. You could even add a bench or another seating option to your landing so you can sit when necessary.

Finally, some updates may require major changes to your steps. Namely, you could install a stairlift so you can avoid the steps altogether. Additionally, you could adjust the dimensions of your stairs so each individual step is wider, shorter, and deeper. This way, you can climb the stairs with the assistance of another person and avoid having to stretch a great distance to reach the next step.

Additional Remodeling Projects 

In addition to stairway renovations, there are many other types of home repairs for seniors that may make your space better suited to aging in place. In the kitchen, for example, you could install pull-out and rotating shelves and even lower your countertops to simplify everyday tasks such as accessing pots and pans and chopping foods. Non-slip flooring can also be very useful in the kitchen.

Helpful bathroom renovations include replacing your bathtub with a zero-threshold shower, as well as installing shower grab bars, seats, and non-slip mats. It may even be wise to put a pocket door into place so you don’t have to worry about making your way around an in-swing or out-swing door.

Practically any room of your home could be improved simply by swapping out certain fixtures. For example, flat door handles are often preferable to spherical knobs, as are paddle-style light switches in comparison to their toggle-style counterparts. The flattened options are much easier to use if a person lacks a full range of motion in their hands. Motion-sensor water faucets, raised electrical outlets, and widened doorways may also make it more comfortable for you to age in place.

Finding the Right Home Improvement Company

Many seniors rely heavily on their renovations to keep them safe from day to day. This is why it’s so critical that you find a trustworthy, experienced home improvement company to work with. When you need high-quality, long-lasting repair services in Regina, reach out to your local Handyman Connection. Our technicians have years of experience and can help you with numerous renovations to prepare you for aging in place:

• Implementing motion-sensor and anti-scald equipment
• Installing stairlifts and ramps
• Adjusting countertops and shelves
• Modifying or replacing showers and tubs
• Installing caregiver and security cameras
• Applying anti-slip materials

Our team is also qualified to tackle a number of plumbing, carpentry, electrical, and general home maintenance tasks to help you maintain your space optimally. Give us a call today to receive a consultation and estimate for your home repairs for seniors.