Ask the expert

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette home improvement illustration
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette home improvement illustration

My husband and I are still in relatively good health, physically and mentally, and now that we are in our early 70s, we are wondering what home improvement projects we can make to help us continue to age in place in our home where we’ve reared our children.

“The first step is, literally, to look at the first step inside your home,” says Marlene Coffman, a care coordinator with CareLink of Arkansas in North Little Rock. “Is there a step up? Will you need a ramp to enter the home?”

Make sure there is adequate outdoor lighting by the home’s entrance to lessen the chance of someone tripping or falling. Lights with motion sensors will help those arriving or leaving.

Also examine the width of the front door and make sure someone with a wheelchair or walker can easily fit through it.

“Also make sure there’s not a lot of furniture blocking the pathway into the home and through it,” Coffman says. “A lot of times, EMTs visiting a home where there’s a medical emergency are frustrated because it’s hard for them to get their gurneys inside.”

A cluttered space also increases the chances residents will trip or stumble over something.

Older residents may want to consider installing new door bells with camera feeds to alert them, even if they are in other parts of the house, who is at the door, she says.

INTERIOR DOORS

At some point, interior doorways may need to be expanded to accommodate wheelchairs or motorized chairs. It is also a good idea to switch out rotating door knobs with easy-to-operate lever handles.

BATHROOMS

“For not a lot of expense you can add toilets with higher seats,” Coffman says, noting it’s also important to make sure this room has a good, nonslip bath mat for stepping out of the shower or tub. Railings added in and near showers, tubs and toilets are a good feature to add.

“Make sure any railings installed are attached to a wall stud,” she advises. And if it is becoming more dangerous to step out of the tub, consider changing it out with a walk-in version.

If the bathroom is large enough to accommodate one, consider adding or converting a countertop area into a seated space to style hair or apply makeup.

KITCHENS

“Most modern kitchens are pretty user friendly,” Coffman says, but some updates to consider include adding pull-out shelves to lower cabinets to make them more easily accessible and making sure there are enough lower cabinets in case the upper ones become too difficult to access. If and when a new refrigerator is needed, select a side-by-side model instead of the freezer on top design. Also, make sure a microwave is placed at counter level so it will be easier and safer to use.

For those who aren’t already using a dishwasher, they may want to consider buying one. Also consider adding counter seating so you can sit down while working.

LIGHTING

“Make sure you have enough lighting throughout the home,” Coffman says. “Most people like to use lamps around their homes, but you need to make sure your lighting is bright enough to help prevent falls and injuries.”

Adding lights on timers is a great idea, so you do not need to find a light switch in the dark. Smart home technology can come in handy when it comes to accident prevention.

EASY UPKEEP

Finally, focus on adding lower maintenance features where possible.

“Make sure all of the appliances are in good working order so if and when the day comes when an aide is coming into the home to help, they won’t have to go down to the laundromat because the washer or dryer aren’t working,” she says.

Upgrades like replacing an older water heater with a tankless one and adding guards over the gutters will eliminate some annual chores.

Do you have a decorating or remodeling question? Send your question to Linda S. Haymes, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock, Ark. 72203 or email:

lhaymes@arkansasonline.com

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