4 Upgrades for Your Parents’ Home if They Live Alone
One of the most difficult parts of life is seeing our parents’ age. That difficulty is only amplified by the guilt that many children feel when they want to leave their homes and start a life for themselves. Much of that comes from the reality that aging parents are going to have a much more difficult time doing even some of the most basic things. Therefore, it only makes sense to help make their lives as easy as possible, so you are not too worried when you’re not around them. The following includes four upgrades you can begin implementing into your parent’s home to help make their lives easier.
Security System Upgrade
If someone attempts to break into a home, most people are at least confident that they can put up a fight. This, of course, is not often possible with aging parents. That is why upgrading their security system should be number one on your list. Areas to upgrade include their home’s exterior lighting system, locks, and of course, the inclusion of an automated alarm system that helps to alert local authorities about a potential break-in.
Bathroom Upgrade
The bathroom can be one of the most dangerous places for older parents. Slippery floors and hard surfaces everywhere is just a recipe for disaster. That is why upgrading certain areas to make them safer is key. If they have a tub, a tub to shower conversionis necessary. This is because tubs require them to lift their leg to get into a situation where they could potentially lose their balance and fall.
Home Lighting
As people get older, their vision also deteriorates. This means that they could potentially fall if the lighting within their home is not the best. Therefore, the next upgrade on this list includes improving their lighting, especially when it comes to steps. Steps can be difficult to walk up for an older person, and now add low visibility to that, and you can see how accidents can happen. By simply adding LED lighting to their steps, you help to diminish the chances of a fall.
Garage Upgrades
If your parents still drive, they may take a little longer to get in and out of their vehicle. This long wait time can be dangerous for older adults as falls, and extremely uncomfortable weather are very real risks. That is why it is recommended to include various upgrades to their garage. Things such as smartphone garage openers and the inclusion of an A/C system are just a few you may include.
Keeping older parents safe within their homes is the goal of many. However, that is only possible if the right actions are taken. Utilize the information above to help accomplish that and much more.