Lake Norman is a beautiful place to retire thanks to its serene natural environment and rich community. While the region’s homes are a great fit for retired folks, it can be useful to make changes to the property as the residents get older. If your parents are starting to get up there in years, the team at Mr. Handyman can help you keep their home safe and accessible.
In fact, our team is so dedicated to this cause that all of our handymen are Age Safe®certified! That means we’ve gone through additional training to learn how to modify homes for older folks in a way that’s safe, sturdy, and helpful. Contact us to learn more about the changes we could make to your property! Mr. Handyman serves Statesville, Cornelius, Huntersville, and the whole Lake Norman area, so we’ll come to you!
Keep your loved ones safe at home—contact Mr. Handyman for hassle-free home modifications today!
Top Home Modifications for In-Home Care for Elderly Parents
Every home is different, and modifying it for taking care of elderly parents at home requires a personalized touch. Our bonded and insured team will conduct a thorough evaluation of your property and create a plan for making it more accessible and free from danger. We can even organize that information based on how much impact each modification will have so you know what to prioritize!
Making changes to a home can feel like a daunting prospect, which is why Mr. Handyman keeps it simple. In general, we recommend that you think about the changes that we’ve found particularly beneficial:
- Grab Bars - In bathrooms, hallways, and showers, grab bars give your loved ones something to hold onto so they can remain steady and safe. They can be oriented horizontally or at an angle, depending on location and use.
- Ramps - Wheelchair users deserve to be able to leave their homes freely, but even if your parents don’t use wheelchairs, a ramp is still useful! It reduces the need to balance on one foot as with stairs and can provide a gentler slope downward.
- Toilet Seat Risers - The distance from standing to sitting on the toilet can be significant for those with mobility challenges. Raising up the level of the toilet seat keeps older folks safe from sudden falls.
- Accessible Baths - Stepping over the side of a bathtub is one of the most common causes of falls in the bathroom. Creating walk-in bathtubs or showers reduces this risk (alongside adding grab bars, which can decrease the odds of a fall by about 75%!).
- Countertop Adjustments - Countertops might not be in the best locations for older folks, whether because they’re in a wheelchair (requiring lower counters) or need support (which might mean boosting counters up).
- Handle Modifications - As many as 80% of seniors may develop osteoarthritis, which can make turning doorknobs or pulling on handles painful or impossible. Replacing these handles with lever knobs or other tools can keep spaces such as closets and cabinets accessible.
- Wider Doors - Whether for wheelchair purposes or to accommodate walkers and other mobility aids, many homes benefit from wider doorways. Otherwise, your parent might get stuck while passing through!
- New Flooring - Older floors can present trip hazards for aging individuals. Carpets may bunch up, planks may rise at the corners, and tile can become slippery. Swapping to a newer floor allows your family to choose the best option for your loved ones.
Of course, these are just a few of the many types of accessibility changes we can make in your parents’ home! Let us guide you on small adjustments that make a big difference.
Make your parents' home safe and accessible with Mr. Handyman—call us today for expert modifications!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do home modifications need to meet ADA requirements?
No, private homes are not bound by the regulations of the Americans with Disabilities Act. However, those standards are there for a reason, and good handymen will often follow them anyway because it produces the best result. Choose a team with experience in home modifications for aging people specifically, as they should have additional training or certifications to make accessibility changes strategically.
Is there anything else I can do to keep my parents safe?
Families have many tools at their disposal besides home modifications for keeping their older members safe. Teach your loved one how to use technology, such as mobile phones, so they can remain in contact or reach out for help. Get them involved in activities as much as possible so they can continue to develop flexibility and strength. Schedule check-ins to make sure everything is going well, whether in-person or via phone call or text.
How effective are home modifications?
Home modifications have a significant impact on an older person’s safety. Those who installed modifications in their homes were less likely to fall compared to those who did not. They were also in less pain and enjoyed better health outcomes, according to studies. External home adjustments, such as ramps, increased social activity among older adults as well.
Ensure your loved ones' safety with our Age Safe® certified team—contact Mr. Handyman for easy home modifications today!
