Life After 50 Expo

Home safety tips !

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The place we call home is the place that feels most comfortable, familiar, and secure. However, the aging process may bring with it some challenges to an individual’s safety at home. It is possible to counteract the effects of aging by being proactive. Home Instead Senior Care has five easy fixes under $500 that can help make the home safer for seniors.

  1. Replace wall-mount shower heads with handheld shower heads on a hose. Handheld shower heads are both convenient and safe because anyone can use the device as a fixed shower head– adjustable to the proper height—or convert it to a handheld one. Cost: generally less than $100. With a plumber’s help, could be up to $175 to $200.
  1. Install grab bars on the wall near the shower or tub.Those who become unsteady on their feet or start to have balance problems could be tempted to grab on to a towel bar or shower curtain and put themselves at risk of falls. Cost: typically $30 to $60 for a good quality bar. With a pro’s help, an estimated $175 to $200 per bar for parts and labor.
  1. Convert to lever handle faucets. Water flow and temperature could be easier for arthritic fingers to control with a lever faucet, rather than one that twists on and off. Cost: usually between $170 and $250. Add about $150 to $200 for a plumber to install.
  1. Add lighting to closets and pantries. Dark closets could not only be safety hazards, they could make dressing more difficult for some people. Cost: an electrician could install a light for around $250. Cost to add a battery-operated light: typically less than $25.
  1. Add swing clear hinges. Narrow doorways could be difficult for walkers and wheelchairs to navigate. Replacing standard hinges with “swing clear hinges” allows the door to swing completely clear of the door opening. This can add an extra 1.5 to 2 inches of clearance without widening the doorway. Cost: a handyman or trim carpenter could install for about $150. A pair of these hinges generally costs between $20 and $30.

For more home safety tips, visit MakingHomeSaferForSeniors.com.