In a recent survey of 1,616 people over the age of 45, AARP found that eight out of 10 people plan to stay in their homes as long as possible. This trend, called “aging in place,” is continually gaining traction as more seniors opt to update their homes instead of moving into retirement or senior-care facilities. If you are committed to staying in your home, there are a few essential updates to help make your home as safe as possible for years to come.
Prevent Bathroom Falls
No matter how healthy you are, a wet, slippery bathtub or shower can be dangerous. Add anti-slip adhesive strips for a quick fix. If you don’t like the look of adhesive strips, consider having a professional apply a clear coating that’s just as effective. For those with joint pain who have a bathtub/shower combination, it’s worthwhile to upgrade to a curbless shower with a built-in bench. Stepping into the bathtub can become difficult as mobility decreases.
Install grab bars in the bathtub and shower as well as outside of them to help you get in and out safely.
Prevent Break-ins
Add an alarm system to protect your home from becoming the target of local burglars. A recent article in the Washington Post notes that houses without alarm systems are three times more likely to be burglarized than those with security systems. With so many types of systems available, the options can be overwhelming. Look up home security reviews online to find out what systems are easy to use and meet your needs.
Whatever system you choose, it should come with a yard sign and a few stickers. Affix the stickers in a prominent place, such as on the windows near your front and back door. Stake the yard sign in your front yard so it’s clear to passersby that your house is protected.
Prevent Heat Stress & Cold Stress
Install an easy-to-read digital thermometer that displays the indoor and outdoor temperatures. If your thermostat breaks or your furnace or air conditioner fails, you’ll quickly be able to see that there’s a problem. Hang the thermometer in a high-traffic area of the home, such as the kitchen or living room. This is also helpful so you’ll know when it’s too hot to be outside during the scorching Nevada summers.
Prevent Eye Strain
As your vision declines, having ample lighting throughout your home becomes increasingly more important. Each room of your home should have a variety of lighting to suit the tasks you do in those rooms. The kitchen should have plenty of overhead lighting and task lighting near any food preparation areas. Your bedroom should have bedside reading lamps in addition to an overhead light.
When choosing fixtures for the bathroom and entryway, opt for those with multiple bulbs. This way when one bulb burns out, you won’t be left in the dark until you replace the old bulb.