Home Modifications Provide Safety and Independence

Studies have shown that most elderly people live in homes that are at least 20 years old. Over the years, as these homes and the one residing in it gets older, they become more difficult to maintain. A home that may be perfectly safe for a person that was 50 years old may be unsafe for someone in their 70’s or 80’s. Studies have also revealed that home safety modifications can prevent as much as 30 to 50 percent of all types of home accidents among seniors that take place in the home.

When it comes to home modifications for the elderly and disabled there are certain areas which must be covered. These areas are:

  • Accessibility

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Home accessibility is vital. Being able to move around comfortably, conveniently, and safely in your home is very important.  Improving accessibility in the home could involve making doorways wider, lowering sinks, countertops, and cabinets in the kitchen, installing walk-in showers and tubs, installing strategically placed grab bars in bathrooms, installing wheelchair ramps, installing stair lifts and more. All of these remodeling projects must comply with the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988, the accessibility guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the regulations for accessibility by the American National Standards Institute.

  • Adaptability

Adaptability modifications are changes that can be made quickly to be able to accommodate the specific needs of the elderly or disabled person without necessarily having to totally redesign the home. For instance, installing grab bars in the bathroom to make the bathroom a safer environment would not mean that the whole entire bathroom would have to be changed. These type modifications are not as extensive as those listed to meet accessibility requirements.

Home modifications can give an elderly person or a disabled person more independence as well as help prevent them from injury. There are many home modification companies on the market today. Before letting someone come in and do modifications on your home, you need to make sure they are a reputable home modification company that complies with all rules and regulations.

If you or someone you know struggles with maneuvering safely at home, it is time you look into having a home modification company come out and speak with you about how they can help make your home a more comfortable, convenient, and safer place to live. Then they can make the necessary changes to give you back your independence so that you can stay living in your own home for years to come.

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