As we age, tasks that used to be simple become increasingly difficult. From changing light bulbs to fixing a leaky faucet, caring for our elderly parents can quickly become daunting. Fortunately, there are professional handyman services available to help with these tasks and ensure your parents’ safety and security in their homes. Here are some handyman services that can be invaluable when it comes to caring for aging parents.
Home Maintenance
Professional handymen can provide home maintenance services such as installing smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, replacing outdated fixtures and appliances, repairing broken windows or doors, and cleaning gutters or removing debris from the yard. These preventative measures reduce risks of accidents while keeping your aging parents comfortable in their own home.
Replace Cabinet and Door Handles
As we age, our grip can become weaker, making it difficult to open and close cabinet doors or drawers. Consider utilizing a professional handyman service, like JW Home Improvement, to replace existing door and cabinet handles with levers or other devices that can be easier for aging parents to use.
Install Grab Bars and Railings Throughout the Home
Grab bars and railings can provide support for elderly parents as they navigate their home. Professional handymen are experienced in the installation of these safety items so that your parents can move around without fear of falling.
Make Showering Convenient and Safe
Walk-in showers and bathtubs with handrails can make bathing easier and safer for elderly parents. A professional handyman like JW Home Improvement can install these items as well as add special shower seats to reduce the risk of slipping in the bathroom.
Ensure Proper Lighting Throughout the Home
Dark hallways, stairs, and bathrooms can be hazardous for aging parents. One preventative safety modification to consider is replacing outdated light fixtures or adding additional lighting to ensure your parents are able to safely move through their home.
Make the Kitchen Safer
According to the National Safety Council, after age 65 falls are the number one cause of accidental death in a home environment. A large number of these slips and falls take place in the kitchen, which is understandable – with heavy pots to lift and spills going unnoticed on the floor. Create a secure, low-maintenance kitchen space with no-glare tile or soft yet sturdy carpet that won’t slip and will be easy to clean.
Expand Doorways for Enhanced Accessibility
Slim doorways present an intimidating challenge for those who use wheelchairs or walkers, and even their caregivers as they help their users navigate with these transporation devices. According to ADA standards, the minimum passage width for wheelchairs must be 32 inches while 48 inches is considered optimal. The need for a larger opening is so that wheelchair users can pass through doors with enough clearance to avoid hitting the walls. This particular home improvement is a critical one, requiring specialist knowledge and skill. If your aging parent has recently started using a wheelchair or walker, consider widening the doorways of their home, and while you’re at it, don’t forget to lower any light switches that may need rerouting. Installing light switches lower than the common 48-inch height makes it easier for anyone utilizing a wheelchair to switch on or off lights.
These are just a few of the many handyman services that can be useful for elderly parents. With these services, you can help ensure your parent’s safety and security in their home. Taking these steps to protect your aging parents will allow them to stay in their own home for as long as possible, giving them independence and comfort during this important time in their lives.
Senior Safety Modifications with JW Home Improvement
At JW Home Improvement, we understand that elderly parents need special attention and care. Our professional handymen are trained to provide the best services to help your aging parents enjoy their home. Whether it’s grab bars, shower modifications, or wider doorways, we will ensure that your parent’s home is safe and secure for them to live in for many years to come. Contact us today to learn more about our senior safety modifications.
