For millions of adults who are past the age of 50 or well on their way to 80 or 90, safety at home is a major lifestyle issue. In fact, they view their living space as a kind of sanctuary, a location where they don’t have to worry about things like crime, inclement weather, accidents, and more. But as houses age, owners can find themselves face to face with various kinds of hazards and challenges, like rickety staircases, slippery floors, poor air quality, uneven entryways, and over-exposure to sunlight.
Fortunately, there are some relatively easy and efficient strategies for alleviating all the potential dangers presented by an aging structure. How can adults continue to enjoy a safe, attractive, comfortable home for decades? Here are more details about the top ways seniors are choosing to make their dwellings safer.
Radon Detectors
For owners who run the risk of accumulating radon in their homes, there are some simple solutions. The odorless, colorless gas seeps up from the ground and can lead to health conditions. The situation is of particular interest to older adults who are more susceptible to respiratory ailments. The detectors are inexpensive and do a good job of alerting residents of higher-than-normal levels of the gas in their living areas. That way, people can see the warning signs and hire a professional to remove the gas from the area and help prevent future buildup.
Home Elevators
Anyone who has limited physical mobility understands the potential problems posed by staircases. Luckily, there’s a practical and affordable workaround to the problem. Installing a home elevator gives oldsters a new sense of independence and freedom. No longer do they need to worry about navigating unreliable or steep steps to move from floor to floor. The convenience factor is a big plus, but the added safety of having an elevator is the primary benefit for many people.
However, it’s essential to work with professionals who specialize in home elevator installs to get the job done right. Not only can the units add to the appearance of any room, but they can also up the elegance factor and transform the interior of the space. Owners who add elevators gain a lot, along with the added safety and potential increase in property value.
Access Ramps
As people age, getting into and out of their homes becomes more difficult. That’s particularly true if entranceways have uneven surfaces or steps. The simplest way to remove the obstacle is to install an entrance ramp for front and back doors. The ramps enable users to gain easy, smooth access without the risk of falling on an uneven surface. It’s worth considering putting ramps inside a home, too, like between rooms where one or two steps exist or between garage areas and interior entryways.
Covered Porches & Non-Slip Floors
Tarps and customized covers for porches and decks can help seniors minimize sun exposure while enjoying sitting outdoors. Likewise, non-slip flooring is a convenient, inexpensive way to cut down on the risk of falls and injuries for people of all ages.