5 Home Renovations to Make for Your Elderly Parents

One of the most challenging aspects of middle age is caring for your aging parents. For many seniors wanting to stay in their own homes as they age, they are going to require that the house is renovated to fit their needs. The physical challenges that come with the territory of growing old necessitate that reasonable accommodations are made to living arrangements. While a home remodels may cost a significant amount of money, it is generally less expensive than moving your elderly parents into an assisted living facility. Here are five of the top home renovations to consider for your parents.

Widen Doorways

Even if your parent will never need to rely on a wheelchair for mobility, they may need to use a walker to get around. This may mean that the current doorways in their home are not wide enough to get through. If the current doorways are narrower than 32 inches, they may need to be expanded to accommodate a mobility device. This task requires the use of a contractor to replace the existing frame and insert new insulation. Depending on the wiring, there may need to be a small amount of electrical work done to finish the job.

Replace Flooring

As you age, it becomes harder to get around as you become more likely to lose your balance and slip and fall. Now is the time to consider all of the current flooring and its risk factors. Tile and stone are particularly slick, raising the risk that someone might fall. Vinyl, linoleum, carpet, and cork are all good choices if you are looking for traction and a more forgiving soft surface to land. If you are not in the financial position to replace the flooring, be sure to check the area for damaged areas that may increase the risk of tripping and falling.

Install Handrails

If your parent is still largely mobile but just needs a little assistance for balance, installing handrails in certain areas of the home may be a good solution to help to prevent falls. Single-step handrails can be used in a wide variety of places throughout the home. You should also consider installing handrails in the bathroom in order to prevent falls due to slippery bathtubs and shower stalls.

Lower Countertops

Most conventional countertops are located approximately 34 inches off of the floor. This height can be challenging for a senior in a wheelchair or a scooter. Installing both cabinets and countertops at a more accessible height makes it easier for those with limited mobility to prepare food, reach essentials, and take care of their personal needs in the bathroom. A good countertop height to aim for is 30 inches.

Put in a Chairlift

A chairlift can make the life of your elderly parent much easier if the home has multiple levels. These lifts attach to the stairs and run up and down the wall to facilitate movement. With a motorized chairlift, your parent will never have to worry about navigating the treacherous stairs as they get older. If the chairlift is prescribed by a physician, you will even be able to use it as a tax deduction.
It is never easy to confront that your parents are aging and are going to need help as they enter this new season in life. However, taking these proactive steps now will ensure that this transition is as easy as possible. You will be at peace knowing that you have done everything that you can to ensure that your elderly parents are as comfortable as possible while still remaining in their own homes.