House & Home Articles - Remodeling / Home Improvement

DIY Home Adaptations for Seniors

Age gradually creeps up on us and, for elderly people, daily tasks around the home can become a challenge. Seniors may notice that getting in and out of a chair is more difficult or that their sense of balance is declining. They may have difficulty lifting their feet, and knees and elbows may not bend as readily as they once did.

While many excellent home adaptations are available to the help the elderly, the sad news is that many of them seem too expensive for those living on limited incomes. However, by thoroughly researching the measures that can make life safer for seniors, it’s possible to find many that are do-it-yourself projects. By completing a few DIY projects, you can make an aging relative’s home safer and enable them to maintain their independence for longer.

Project Ideas

• Attach handrails to all areas where sitting or rising might be a challenge. For example, hand rails should be available beside the commode, shower, and bath.
   
• Get the directions for ramp construction online. Using these dimensions, cover all exterior steps with an easy to navigate ramp.
   
• Make doors as wide as possible. The easiest way to add some inches is by taking the current door off the hinges.
   
• Add more light, either through strategically placed lamps or by changing the light bulbs in all fixtures to a higher wattage. Also, lower any light switches that are too high to reach while in a seated position.
   
• Reorganize the kitchen for easy access, and add extra lower shelving, if needed, to keep the most often used articles within arm’s reach.
   
• Ensure that all porches have strong railings.
   
• For seniors who live in two story buildings, one option is to purchase or rent a straight stair lift to make using the stairs safer. However, the installation is not a DIY project that most people should attempt themselves, and it is prudent to have a certified dealer do this job.
   
• Because the elderly have more difficulty maintaining their body heat, adding insulation to an older home could also be beneficial.

The best way to determine which projects should be a priority at this time is to walk through the home while considering it from the angle of someone who has limited mobility. Make a list of the most urgent projects and work through the list as quickly as time and money allows. Then, as aging brings new challenges, you will be confident that your relative can continue to live comfortably and independently.


About The Author:
Claire Bradshaw is a writer and website owner. She contributes to a site that offers advice about stair lifts for the elderly.

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