For the elderly, living well means being able to stay at home comfortably. However, physical challenges can make it difficult for you to get around as you age. To make it more convenient for you, you should opt to remodel your home with repairs that can assist you in your daily life. Here is a guide to home repair services for seniors.
Widen Doorways
If you are wheelchair-bound or have other mobility equipment, it’s best and most convenient for you to widen your doorways, especially if they are less than 32 inches wide. In most cases, a contractor would need to rebuild the current frame as well as add insulation, drywall, and paint. Rewiring and relocating light switches may be an addition to the job. The cost of enlarging a doorway varies, particularly if electrical work is required. You should expect to pay between $400 to $600 each.
Install Lever-Style knobs
For individuals with arthritis or other illnesses that limit their mobility, lever-style doorknobs are appropriate for you. It’s typically easier to hold as compared to round doorknobs and they don’t require a twisting action to open. You can expect lever-style knobs to start at roughly $20 each and can be found at home improvement stores. You can either change the doorknobs yourself, get a family member to do it for you, or pay a handyman.
Put Grab Bars in Bathrooms
After showering, you might notice how slippery the floors of your shower or bathtubs might be. To prevent falls, you should install heavy bars so that you can grab onto them while exiting or entering your bathroom. This can also aid individuals who have trouble maintaining their balance. Grab bars usually cost between $20 to $30 each at home improvement stores. The cost of having them professionally installed is around $100, including materials.
Replace Floors with Slip-Resistant Material
If you find yourself almost slipping, it may be time to replace them with slip-resistant material such as vinyl and linoleum. These two materials offer greater traction than hard stone floors and are softer in case you fall. Bamboo and cork flooring are also popular, though they are more expensive.
Vinyl or linoleum floors cost about $3 to $4 per square foot while bamboo costs $5 to $7 and cork costs around $5.
If you don’t have the funds to replace the floors immediately, you should ensure that any damaged areas are repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Uneven tiles or cracked floors can cause people of all ages to slip and fall.
Add a Wheelchair Ramp
Even if no one in the house needs a wheelchair, a ramp is beneficial and eliminates the need to climb stairs. It typically costs around $1,500 to build.
Live Comfortably at Discovery Commons At College Park
As a resident at Discovery Commons At College Park, you won’t have to worry about slipping and falling in our retirement community. With our Independent Living option and various amenities, you can live comfortably in an unrestricted environment while receiving the care you need. To learn more, do contact us today!
