Older bodies have a harder time getting around than their younger counterparts. They’re not as capable of sustained exertion, and they’re often prone to falls. You need to keep this in mind as you age. You’re not going to be able to move the way you could when you were younger, and you should refurbish your house accordingly. Here are four projects that will make your home safer.
Convert Your Tub Into a Shower
While it’s important to keep up with personal hygiene as you age, bathing can become a serious hazard for older bodies. Investing in a tub to shower conversion is one of the best ways to make the process safer. By eliminating the need to step over the edge of the tub, you’ll significantly decrease the likelihood of a fall. This makes it much easier to walk in and out of the shower without any problems. Make sure there aren’t any uneven edges that could cause you to trip. The right tile on the shower floor will also be important. Choose one that gets less slippery when wet to prevent any slips and falls.
Install a Raised Toilet
Younger people barely notice the effort involved in sitting down or standing up in the bathroom. As you age, however, getting back on your feet after doing your business can be a serious pain. A raised toilet makes the entire process much safer and easier. Installing your new porcelain throne is a simple task that will have a major effect on your quality of life. You can even find a toilet seat that will raise the height of your toilet so you don’t have to bother replacing the entire thing.
Widen Doorways for Walkers and Wheelchairs
Even if you can get around on your own for the time being, it’s worth remembering that walkers and wheelchairs could become necessary in the future. You can prepare for this possibility ahead of time by widening all your doorways. Even if you never end up traveling on wheels, you’ll enjoy having more space to move around in. Along with widening your doorways, consider adding some ramps on your front porch or garage to accommodate a wheelchair or walker.
Put Treads on All Your Steps
At some point, you might want to consider moving into a home with only a single floor. Until you take that step, you should at least do everything possible to make the stairs as safe as possible. Slippery wooden steps are a serious hazard. Just by tossing down some nonstick treads, you can make it easier for socked feet to find traction. You should also make sure the bannister is screwed on tight enough to provide genuine support.
As you age, your safety and stability can become more of a concern. However, with a few adjustments, you can make your home a safe place to live out the rest of your years. Completing the projects listed above will put your house well on its way toward a safer general profile. Find a handyman or contractor near you to help you decide the best renovations for you.
