Though many people spend their lives perfecting their homes, as they age it’s natural to become less involved with these things. Despite not being able to physically carry out some of the necessary home maintenance tasks, there are still some ways seniors can make sure their living space stays beautiful and safe.
Here are 5 simple tips to help seniors effectively improve their homes:
For most people, breathing is something we do unconsciously. And yet, many people are living in homes with poor air quality that can cause discomfort or even difficulty breathing, especially as the weather gets warmer.
One simple way to moderate home temperatures to a comfortable level is to get a humidifier in the bedroom where one sleeps, which can help to reduce respiratory issues like allergies and asthma, clear sinuses, and reduce snoring. Conversely, adding a dehumidifier can prevent mildew from forming in potentially humid spaces like a basement or attic.
The older one gets, the more serious a fall can be, therefore, it’s important to prioritize having clear, smooth floors. It can be easy to put off any necessary repairs, but anything from cracked tile to a wrinkled rugs can be tripping hazards.
Eliminate these various tripping hazards is to clear walkways of cords or any other clutter on the floor. Adding a non-slip rug pad underneath any doorway, hallway or bathroom floor rugs is an easy way to reduce the potential for a fall. If the flooring or carpet in the home requires more serious repair, do not wait until there’s an accident to have it taken care of.
One may not necessarily give a lot of thought to their windows and doors, but it’s a good idea to periodically check them to make sure they shut and lock properly and that hinges and knobs or handles are tightened.
It may be a good idea to invest in a home security system to keep the home secure whether the homeowner/resident is away or simply to keep peace of mind overnight. With a home security system, seniors not only can keep their homes protected from burglaries, but can keep themselves protected in the event of medical emergencies with quick access to emergency medical services.
For the most part, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors don’t require much maintenance, however it’s necessary to replace their batteries once a year. It’s easy for homeowners to forget to do this because of the minimum required level of maintenance, but most detectors beep intermittently as a reminder.
Smoke detectors have a test button, which can be pressed with the end of a broomstick to avoid climbing up on a ladder to reach. Once the alarm sounds, press the test button again to turn off. This ensures the alarm’s batteries are functioning properly.
These are just a few simple tips to keep a home safe and comfortable while aging in place!
Feel free to contact us for any future resident, current resident, or general inquiries.
