Top 5 Things To Consider For Seniors Who Want To Stay In Their Home In Wichita

In today’s society, it is becoming increasingly easier to stay at home. There was a profound shift in the way we work, with offices being replaced by our very own homes. Additionally, numerous events we were eagerly anticipating unfortunately had to be canceled. As a result, our homes transformed into versatile spaces that served as sanctuaries for both work and play, providing us with comfort and endless entertainment possibilities. It’s never been easier to stay in your home for the rest of your life, safely and comfortably. It’s going to be even easier in the coming years. Food and groceries, even liquor, can be delivered to your doorstep. Seniors who aspire to age in place can achieve this goal successfully, provided their personal health allows it. However, for successful aging in place, extensive consideration, thorough planning, and diligent effort are required. To ensure that you can continue living in your cherished home, despite the unpredictability of life, it is crucial to take proactive measures well before any uncertainty arises regarding your capacity to maintain an independent lifestyle.

There’s no doubt that the preferred option for older Americans is to age peacefully in their current comfy homes. Around 90% of those 65 and older identify aging in place as part of their long-term goals. Humans can be natural-born dreamers, and aging in place can be exactly that—a dream—without the security, personal connections, aging in place upgrade, and of course, safety. The goal is to have a balanced quality of life at an affordable cost, right? At Mr. Handyman of the Wichita Metro Area, we understand this goal, and that is why we offer aging in place modifications for aging homeowners in the Wichita area. Again, personal health permitting, aging in your home is not an unfair or unreasonable goal. In this article, we’ve outlined the top 5 things to consider for seniors who want to stay in their homes. From aging in place modifications to security, communication with family and friends, safety and mobility, budget and costs, this guide will equip you with the tools and information required to make a plan for aging in your home. For the years that you’ve looked after your home, let our Wichita handyman team assist with your home taking care of you.

1. Consider Both Costs and Benefits

As ironic as it sounds, choosing to age in your home does come with some considerable costs. Some are quick to think that staying at home means cutting back on costs; however, that is not the case. When transitioning to a new residence, such as an assisted living facility or a smaller home, there are initial expenses to consider. If selling your home, don't overlook the potential expenses for maintenance, improvements, and moving costs. Additionally, consider the various expenses associated with acquiring a new residence, including entrance fees and purchasing costs. It's crucial to fully understand the comprehensive costs associated with staying in your home, even if it's mortgage-free, as there will still be ongoing expenses.

Things you were once able to do when you purchased your current home, like gutter cleaning, or deck repairs, may have to be performed by a professional handyman. Maintaining a home's value and functionality requires regular maintenance, repairs, and upgrades. Furthermore, it's important to make modifications to ensure the safety and comfort of aging in place, which we will cover a little further on.

2. Maintaining Your Social Network

An increasing body of research suggests that maintaining social interaction and connections may be the key to aging well. Social isolation poses a significant challenge for older individuals and can be as detrimental to health as physical ailments. As you consider aging in place, it's crucial to develop a plan for establishing and nurturing social contacts, especially considering the potential decline in personal mobility and driving ability over time. Do you have close friends and relatives nearby? Will they continue to be available for regular contact as you age? Additionally, it's important to consider the potential for establishing new relationships as your social circle evolves.

Although technology can be useful, it cannot completely substitute the importance of face-to-face interactions with close friends and family. Exploring apartment-style independent living or assisted living communities can be beneficial, as they offer more opportunities for regular and convenient social engagements. These communities provide a wide range of activities and chances to meet new people without having to travel far. It's important to consider the significance of these options when planning to maintain an active social life in the future.

3, Prepare Your Home For Aging in Place Modifications

In order to minimize the risk of accidents and ensure that necessary modifications can be made in a timely manner, it is crucial to proactively make changes that enable you to age in place. Shockingly, statistics reveal that approximately 19% of homes are not adequately equipped to accommodate aging individuals. Luckily, Mr. Handyman is aware of this, and that’s why we offer aging in place modifications for homes in the Wichita Metro Area. Whether it’s grab bar installations, handrail installations, stair lift installations, or widening doorways and hallways, our handyman team can make the necessary aging in place upgrades. Let’s take a look at a few of our biggest hits:

Grab Bar and Handrail Installations:

Installed in the shower or near the toilet, grab bars are simple yet impactful devices. They provide stability when moving around and offer essential support. It's crucial to ensure proper grab bar installation to safely bear the weight of the person using them, making finding an expert handyman essential. A professional not only ensures safe installation but can also make them visually appealing, addressing any concerns about aesthetics. Handrails are also essential for aging in place home modifications. Install them along staircases inside and outside your home to safely maneuver up and down the steps.

Stair lift Installations:

For older adults who struggle with walking upstairs or are confined to a wheelchair, handrails may not provide enough support. That's where the installation of a stair lift inside the home can truly make a difference. Stairlifts offer a fantastic solution, granting individuals with limited mobility a safe and convenient way to access different floors of their home. With the added benefit of promoting independence, a stair lift can be a game-changer. It is worth noting, however, that stair lifts typically require users to operate a joystick and other controls. Therefore, they are best suited for individuals who possess the necessary dexterity and do not require additional assistance.

Outdoor and Indoor Ramp Installations:

Incorporating outdoor ramps into the entryways of your home ensures effortless access for individuals using wheelchairs or walkers. However, these ramps are not limited to just assistive device users—they offer a more comfortable and secure option compared to stairs, especially for aging adults. Additionally, indoor threshold ramps are equally advantageous for wheelchair users, facilitating seamless transitions between rooms and doorways that have small steps or raised landings.

Shower Upgrades:

In addition to installing grab bars, incorporating a corner seat or bench into your shower routine adds an extra layer of safety. This seating option not only provides a secure place to rest for those who may feel uneasy on their feet, but it also offers a comfortable oasis to unwind and relax. To further enhance your shower experience, consider upgrading your shower head to a handheld one. With its convenient wand attachment, you can effortlessly rinse off soap from even the most hard-to-reach areas, and its versatile settings ensure that each shower is both comfortable and enjoyable.

Here are some further suggestions to ensure the utmost safety and accessibility in your shower: First, eliminate any potential hazards by removing clutter, such as empty shampoo bottles or bars of soap, from the floor, minimizing the risk of tripping. Secondly, place non-skid shower mats to prevent any accidents caused by slipping and falling. Lastly, when renovating your bathroom, consider installing a walk-in shower instead of a traditional bathtub, eliminating the need to climb over the edge and providing a seamless entryway into your soothing sanctuary.

Widen Doorways:

Doorways that are too narrow pose a significant challenge for wheelchair users, individuals using walkers, as well as anyone who assists with daily tasks at home. According to ADA compliance standards, doorways should be a minimum of 32 inches wide for wheelchair accessibility and a maximum of 48 inches. If you require door repair services, our team of skilled handymen can provide the expertise needed for this home modification. Additionally, when widening doorways, it is recommended to also consider lowering light switches to make them more accessible for wheelchair users, as this can greatly enhance their daily living experience.

Replace Cabinet and Door Handles:

Enhancing functionality can be made effortlessly by replacing cabinet hardware and door knobs with D handles. Traditional knobs can pose a challenge for individuals with arthritis, as they require a strong grip and twisting motion. D handles offer a comfortable and stylish solution, granting easier access to cabinets and doors. This straightforward adjustment can greatly contribute to maintaining a seamless daily routine for those who experience stiffness as they age.

4. Ensure Home Security Is Installed

Research has revealed that the use of assistive technology, such as smart home devices, can enhance the safety, health, independence, and mobility of older adults. Incorporating smart home technology not only improves accessibility for seniors but also provides peace of mind for caregivers and family members. Here are some recommended smart home devices for aging in place that Mr. Handyman can assist in installing:

Smart lighting: This enables individuals with limited mobility or vision impairments to effortlessly adjust the lighting through voice commands, motion detection, or pre-set configurations.
Smart thermostats: These ensure optimal home comfort by dynamically adjusting the temperature.
Smart home monitors: These can monitor movement and behavior by intelligently analyzing data from motion detectors or cameras to detect emergencies like falls.
Smart security systems: These systems add a layer of safety, with cameras that monitor activity both inside the premises and around the surrounding area.

5. Plan Your Transition Accordingly

As time goes by, a considerable number of people reach a stage where they require help to efficiently and securely handle the responsibilities within their homes. Everyday tasks like cleaning, cooking meals, and other household chores can become difficult due to declining vision, achy joints, or other physical restrictions. Furthermore, managing activities such as dealing with mail, paying bills, reading, or even going for a walk can also present challenges. In certain cases, medical and health issues necessitate the assistance of a home health aide or a visiting nurse. To decide whether to stay in your current home or move, it's worth considering hiring services to help with various tasks. Take some time to evaluate the availability of these services in your area and compare their costs. By bringing these services into your home, you can explore an alternative to relocating, all while ensuring that you maintain your social connections.

Aging In Place? More Like Aging In Grace When You Work With Mr. Handyman of the Wichita Metro Area

No matter how old you are, planning for the future is something one should always do. If you're considering the idea of gracefully aging in the comfort of your own home, then Mr. Handyman is here to partner with you. Our goal is not only to create a safe and accommodating home for you but also to make it as comfortable as possible, all without the need for major renovation projects or the hassle of relocating. We completely understand why you would want to spend your golden years in your current home. You've invested so much time and effort into it, raised a family within its walls, and turned it into your dream home over the years. Just because you're getting older and planning for the future doesn't mean you have to uproot yourself.

Mr. Handyman of the Wichita Metro Area offers a wide range of aging-in-place modifications that will ensure a secure and stable environment for you and your loved ones. If you want to learn more about Mr. Handyman's services for home upgrades, security, and aging in place modifications, feel free to contact our customer service team. They are ready to address any inquiries you may have. Aging in place has never been this handy in Wichita and the surrounding areas of Andover, Bel Aire, and Eastborough!