How do I make my home safer for my retirement?
Are there any inexpensive ways to "age-proof" my house?
Home Remodeling For The Elderly
Is remodeling your home for retirement really necessary?
The Daily Hampshire Gazette points out that as millions of baby boomers grow older they will want to have full access to their house. The Chicago Tribune adds that "...a mini-industry of sorts has emerged to help make seniors as enthusiastic about home remodeling..." This pre-emptive approach is a change from previous thinking and that it saves money. The Cornell Chronicle quotes a professor of policy who says "A more efficient approach[rather than waiting for sudden need] is to incorporate such modifications through the course of home remodeling projects." Bottom line: When it comes to home improvement, it's never to early to start planning.
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How do I make my home safer for my retirement?
There's no definitive list for things to "age-proof" your house. Here are a few suggestions from some homebuilder's websites: Bankrate.com suggested some of the following(full text available at their website):- Doorways: Doorways should be about 34-36 wide to accomodate wheelchairs. Can cost $300-600 per door.
- Door Knobs: Level doorknobs are much easier to turn as manual dexterity decreases.
- Refrigerators: Should be kept away from the corners so the door can swing as wide open as possible.
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Are there any inexpensive ways to "age-proof" my house?
The Administration on Aging, a part of the Department of Health and Human Services, has some inexpensive ideas to help make your home safer for your retirement years.
- Install grab bars and transfer benches. Vitality medical carries grab bars with colors and styles that will fit in your bathroom. We also carry solid and sturdy transfer benches from trusted companies like Invacare and Rubbermaid.
- Install non-skid strips in shower. By installing these strips, you can avoid falls which can result in severe injury, like hip fractures. Vitality Medical carries a Duro Med No-Skid Cushioned Bath Mat, which provides an excellent fall resistant surface.
- Install handrails. While Vitality Medical doesn't carry handrails, we do carry bedrails, which can make getting out of bed a lot easier for the elderly.
Sources
Bankrate.comAdministration on Aging - Home Remodeling
Daily Hampshire Gazette
The Chicago Tribune
The Cornell Chronicle
Helpful Articles
National Osteoporosis FoundationBone Density - University of Washington
Dexa Scanning - Yahoo Health
Bone Density Test: Measure Your Risk of Osteoporosis
Osteopenia - University of Washington School of Medicine
Hip Fracture - Mayo Clinic
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