There are many changes that come along with aging like loss of mobility, impaired senses, and faulty memory. If we’re lucky enough to make it to old age we will face many of these physical and mental changes and the effects they will have on our daily lives. While it’s important to follow up on doctors appointments, exercise, and invest in your mental health, the elderly should also at some point focus on their environment. 90% of adults over the age of 65 wish to stay in their home. With this high percentage it can be incredibly beneficial to an elderly person’s mental health to be able to modify their home so it is safe for them to stay in. Aging doesn’t have to be frightening. If you or someone you love needs help upgrading their home so they can comfortably and safely age in place in St. John reach out to us at Doppler Construction. We have extensive experience in these types of modifications and it would be our honor to assist you or your loved one in making sure the home is safe and accessible. The following suggestions can help get you brainstorming for your age-in-place remodel.
Falling is one of the most serious risk factors to the elderly and often causes serious injury or death. The bathroom can be a prime place for fall risks as the moisture from hot water can create slippery surfaces. In this space some really important things to consider for senior safety are non-slip mats and flooring, handrails to make using the toilet easier, and seating chairs in the shower.
For a senior friendly bedroom you want to make sure there’s a lot of room for mobility. Bulky furniture or raised beds can hinder access. Make sure there is enough space for them to easily and safely move around. You don’t want the bed to be too high as that can result in falls. Make sure to add good lighting so getting around in the dark during the middle of the light is less of a concern.
In the kitchen there are a lot of options to keep things safe and more accessible for seniors. Some design choices that can help are lower countertops and open shelving. The lower countertops are easier for seniors to access and open shelving removes the barrier of cabinet doors. Motion-activated appliances can also be a smart choice for a senior-friendly kitchen as they can be easier to use, no need to tug on stuck doors or reach for faucet handles behind the sink.
If you’re looking for help aging in place in St. John, look no further than Doppler Construction. Here at Doppler Construction, we are specially trained in ADA and accessibility which provides us with a lot of knowledge that helps create safe and easily accessible spaces for seniors. Reach out to us today to see how we can help you or your loved one age in place safely in St. John.
If you have questions or would like a free estimate we’d love to hear from you. Call us today at 219-661-1011 to see what Doppler Construction can do for you and your family.
