We’ve all spent a whole lot more time in our own homes over the past year. It’s given us time to think about making adjustments to our home. People have been working from home, educating their kids from home and spending all of their free time at home. Many have only left the house to pick up food, medicine and other absolute essentials. Those of us who are a little older, or at a higher risk have spent even more time sheltering in place. Some of us have barely left our home space over of the past year.
The upside of this, if there is one, is that it has given us a opportunity to determine what works for us in our home and what doesn’t. We are clearer on what we find comfortable and what is in need of change. You may not want professionals in your home while the pandemic is still in full force, but it’s a great time to dream and start planning the changes you’d like to make. When the vaccine has rolled out and we’re all safe again you’ll be ready to have the work done.
Here are a few suggestions to consider to make your home a whole lot more comfortable.
A Bungalow
If you live in a house with stairs, you may have discovered that you’re struggling to get up and down easily. Many of us much prefer to live on one floor on the ground level to make our lives easier. If this is the case, you may want to consider moving to a bungalow. This may provide you with a more comfortable living situation going forward.
A Stairlift
If you don’t want to move, and don’t want the hassle and danger of stairs, a good alternative is to install a stairlift. Stairlifts come in a wide variety of configurations and can be installed to work in almost any house. Do have yours fitted professionally if this is a solution for you.
A Walk In Bath
Baths are great. They give you the perfect opportunity to soak and relax. But getting in and out can be dangerous if you’re not as flexible and agile as you used to be. Walk in baths have become a very popular option to keep bathing as an option. Walk-In Bathtub Installation is pretty easy and straightforward and shouldn’t take much time. But if you enjoy a bath, it will make a signficant difference in your comfort and enjoyment of your home.
Support Rails
As you go through your day and travel from place to place in your home, think about where a support rail might improve your level of comfort. The bathroom is the best room to start evaluating. Consider place a support rail near that toilet, the sink, the shower, inside and out and in the bathtub area. Also consider a support rail by exterior doors, especially if you’re unsteady on your feet and holding onto something while opening the door would be helpful. Wherever you decide to place such adjustments to your home, make sure that they are fitted at the right height for you to comfortably hold.
Ramps
If you have steps that go in and out of your house, you may want to consider adding a ramp to your home. A ramp will decrease the risk of trips and falls, especially in inclement weather. They are also great for those who use wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
Of course, there are more options out there. But these are a few that could really make your day a whole lot easier on a daily basis. Consider them and give a few a try!
WIDEN DOORWAYS
Wider doorways will make your home wheelchair accessible. If you have many doorways, this may be a costly improvement so take your time to talk with an aging in place specialist who can help you make the right decision. There are alternative measures that can be taken in certain situations, such as adjustable door hinges that enable the door to open wider. This saves money and may be all you need.
KNOBS & SWITCHES
Changing doorknobs from the usual round knobs to a paddle knob can make your home much more comfortable for those who suffer from arthritis or diminished dexterity. Along the same lines, a variety of light and lamp switches are available to make turning on lights more user friendly. Consider changing any knobs in your home that are difficult for you, on dressers and cabinets for example.
LED LIGHTBULBS
Finally, changing a lightbulb can be a challenge and present a risk of falling. By changing for traditional lightbulbs to LED bulbs you reduce the need to change bulbs significantly. You will also be contributing to the well-being of the planet!
There are so many adjustments to your home that will make it comfortable and safe for years to come.
Aging in Place: Is it Right for You?
