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As we watch our population age, we as home owners can take steps to make our homes more user-friendly for our aging friends and family members. Some of the things we can do can also help if we put our homes on the market in an area with a lot of people who are buying their final home after retirement. Take a look at eight steps we can take to make our homes more elder-friendly.

1) Eliminate throw rugs. It is way too easy to catch a foot on a throw run and fall. Throw rugs also can bunch up, creating another tripping hazard.

2) Install grab bars in bathrooms. They should be fitted per ADA guidelines and anchored solidly in walls. Grab bars should be installed by toilets and in bathtubs and showers.

3) Change door knobs to lever handles. Arthritic or weakened hands can have a difficult time grasping and turning a door knob.

4) Elevate the dishwasher, washing machine and clothes dryer. This will help to eliminate bending. Simple pedestals can be put in place under the washer and dryer. The dishwasher might take a bit more work, but it can be done and it can even look pretty good.

5) Change dual water faucets to single-handle lever faucets. Nor only is the single-handle lever easier to use than a knob, but there may be lesser of a likelihood of burning one’s self.

6) Make sure that all steps and stairs have good rails on both sides wherever possible.

7) Light everything up. Put night lights in wall outlets. Make sure entry ways have adequate lighting. Place lights by steps both inside and outside. Make sure all rooms have adequate lighting. Make sure that there is adequate outdoor lighting for all porches and paths.

Builders should do all of this and more in new homes. New construction should have halls and doors wide enough for wheelchairs. Light switches should be lower on the wall so someone in a wheelchair can access them easily. The switches should also be rocker switches rather than the up and down toggle switches. Showers should be built so that there is a very minimal step to go over.

Many of these things are fairly simple and inexpensive and can maka a huge difference to the elderly.

Sam Chapman is a REALTOR® licensed in the state of Texas who has lived and worked in the Austin area for 20 years. Sam and his team can help with purchases of waterfront homes, downtown condos, land and homes in all parts of Austin. Visit Sam’s Austin real estate website.

Tags: elder-friendly, grab bars, home, home owner, homes, house

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