One reason for wanting to age in place is the connection to the home and memories as well as a strong connection to the community and neighbors. Aging in place can be a blessing in senior years but a home can present many dangers. Cost effective measures can be taken to make the home safer and more secure. Here are a few steps that you can take.
Medical alert monitor
Special monitors can be worn around the neck or wrist to call for medical assistance in an emergency. There are also sensors for turning on and off lights to aid maneuvering down a dark hall or staircase late at night. Motion detectors can be installed around the home and connected to an App on a caregiver’s phone. These devices can provide security and peace of mind for families who have seniors living alone.
Security Alarms
Security alarms can be installed inside and outside the home to provide peace of mind against intruders. Security systems have changed a lot over the years and now offer many options for your personal needs. Cameras can be added to your home for increased security.
Modify the bathroom
Water on the floor can cause a dangerous fall. Grab bars will have to be installed around the bathroom to assist with standing, sitting, and showering. A grab bar installed horizontally around a bathtub helps prevent falls when trying to sit or stand in the bathtub.
A shower/bath chair and a handheld shower nozzle will also make bathing easier. Purchase a bath brush with an extended handle to aid in hard-to-reach places when bathing so you are not bending and stooping in the tub.
Clutter
Decluttering the home is extremely important as storage boxes, magazines and large furniture can limit necessary movement about a room with a walker or wheelchair.
It may be difficult to part with collectibles and furnishings but remember these items can be passed along to family members, donated to community organizations. You can also pay to place these things in storage.
Making a few simple modifications to a residence can provide peace of mind for seniors living in place and the people who care about them.
Roy Thomas SRES® (Senior’s Real Estate Specialist) is a REALTOR® with Sutton Group Professional Realty. Since 1991, Roy specializes in helping retirees with their later in life real estate transactions. Call Roy at 902-497-3031 or contact Roy here
