How To Make A Home Ageing-Friendly
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Another year older. For all the online inspiration lookbooks and cheerful DIY instructions, home improvement may seem like a young man’s game - but at the end of the day, the most important thing is to have a home which is precisely functional for you and your family. Sadly it’s often the festive season which alerts yourself, family members and friends that you’re not quite as young as you used to be and this means reassessing small tasks which were once taken for granted. Here are a few ideas for keeping your home safe and accessible as the years go by.
Ramps not stairs
Stairs are perhaps the number one cause of accidents in the home. Keeping them carpeted and well-lit indoors and replacing uneven outdoor steps with easy-to-use concrete or wooden ramps will help to minimize risk.
Reevaluate lighting
A well-lit home is a home which prevents falls! Sensor lights and remote-operated light switches are great options, but also try maxising natural light with large windows and skylights.
Install bathroom handrails
A builder or handyman will have no trouble advising and assisting with the installation of assisted-mobility handrails for around the bathtub, shower and toilet.
Invest in non-slip flooring
Plastic floor terrain can be made to fit any number of bathroom or laundry spaces, including inside bathtubs - they can be found at any hardwares and homeware shops. When it comes to preventing falls, small tiles are far less slippery than larger ones.
Replace doorknobs
Arthritis can make gripping doorknobs an absolute pain - some seniors may be more comfortable with a lever mechanism, which requires only the exertion of weight.
Keep electrical wires organised
Cords strewn across the house from television sets or telephones can be a real tripping hazard, so keep them tucked up behind cabinets or underneath rugs.
Check water control
Seniors are especially susceptible to burns and scalding from the hot water system. The NSW government suggests installing a tempering valve or thermostatic mixing valve to lower water outlet temperature to a set measure.
Change the height of work spaces
Building standards in Australia rely on the concept of an able-bodied adult for their heights, widths and specifications, especially when it comes to kitchen and bathroom benches. But when bending down is an issue, builders can easily adjust the height of much-used domestic spaces.Need a hand with an upgrade? Service Central has plenty of handymen fit for the work. Just post your job to receive three free no-obligation quotes from qualified professionals in your area.
Handyman Quotes
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