Electrical Repairs For Aging In Place

Moving can be a major ordeal, but when you find a forever home, you can settle down and enjoy your life. As you age, moving becomes more physically challenging. Aging in place can provide more security by allowing residents to retire in a familiar area and avoid moving-related injuries. However, your home may require modifications to make it suitable for senior living. When you need home repairs for seniors, you can depend on Handyman Connection. Completing the repairs, especially the electrical work, on your own can be hazardous, but our skilled technicians can make electrical and structural repairs to improve accessibility and prevent injuries. Here are some of the electrical repairs that benefit homeowners aging in place.

Adjusting Light Switches and Outlets

Although moving a light switch or outlet may seem like a minor task, you should avoid asking a friend or unlicensed family member to repair electrical work. Our electricians can lower your light switches and raise your electrical outlets to waist height. If someone in your home is wheelchair-bound in the future, the lights and outlets will be easy to reach.

Adding Paddle Switches

Standard light switches can be frustrating for senior residents, but you can replace the older levers with paddle switches. Paddle switches have more surface area and can be operated with an elbow, finger or fist. Adding additional outlets with paddles around your home can help seniors turn on ceiling fans or hanging lights without grabbing a chain or cord.

Increasing the Lighting

Your vision deteriorates over time and requires more light to see clearly. Adding additional light fixtures can help seniors navigate your home safely. Changing light bulbs can be tricky for older residents, but you can minimize bulb replacements by installing energy-efficient LEDs. LEDs use less energy, produce more lumens and last several years longer than standard models. Compared to the heat produced from a traditional light bulb, LEDs emit less heat, and they’re safer in case of close contact.

Adding Outlets Near Stairs

Most building regulations require homes to have a light switch at the top and bottom of the stairs, but not all states require outlets near the stairs. Adding outlets by a staircase is practical if you have to install a rail system for a wheelchair lift sometime in the future. Stair outlets are also helpful when you need to vacuum the stairs or charge robotic vacuum systems.

Installing Automatic Lighting

Although automatic lighting, activated by motion, has been available for several years, today’s systems are more advanced and user-friendly. With automated LED fixtures installed with smart-home capability, you can control the luminosity and motion sensitivity from a laptop or connected device.

Automatic lights turn on when someone enters a room and deactivate a few seconds after they leave. The lights prevent injuries related to fumbling for a switch, and they lower your energy costs.

Installing Smoke and Radon Detectors

All homes are required to have an adequate number of smoke detectors depending on the property’s square footage. However, after renovation projects or additions, your home can require updates in fire prevention. Our electricians can install extra detectors to protect your home and family and maintain your property value.

Whether you live in a new home or a house from the 19^th century, radon gas can emerge from small cracks in the foundation or basement walls. Homes with basements are more vulnerable to the effects of radon, but you can safeguard your home with radon detectors. Radon reduces air quality, and it’s incredibly hazardous for people with respiratory issues.

Rearranging Kitchen Appliances

The kitchen is an excellent spot for gathering with the family, but it’s also one of the primary areas prone to accidents and injuries. Operating aging appliances in hard-to-reach locations in the kitchen can be risky for older occupants. Update your older models with new appliances suitable for seniors. Some have larger displays and voice activation for safer operation. Our Handyman Connection professionals can rearrange your old appliances and install new ones in easy-to-reach locations.

Rely on the Professionals

Before attempting any electrical repair in your home, call the experts at Handyman Connection. Our experienced team can tackle all your electrical repairs and installations. Contact us for repair services in Winnipeg today.