Expert tips

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention define “aging in place” as, “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.” Aging in place allows seniors to live in the comfort of their own homes, while also having access to any services and support they may require. Aging is inevitable. As we age, many of our abilities and senses become greatly reduced, including: vision, hearing, muscle strength, mental health and cognition, mobility, an increased risk of illness and of falls due to a sudden loss of balance, etc. Thus, it is wise to plan how exactly you want to age in place; what will be most beneficial to your overall wellbeing and happiness, and what kind of services and support you should consider as your needs and capabilities change. Concerning home improvement projects to facilitate aging in place, here are a few ideas to consider: If you experience a loss of balance, you may want to consider adding support bars for the shower or tub. Consider getting a stairlift If walking up and down the stairs proves to be more difficult than in previous years, you should look into installing a stairlift. This chair on the stair will greatly reduce your risk of falling up or down the stairs, staving off unwanted bruises and injuries. Home exterior Handicap accessible exterior residential wheelchair ramp If you’re still mobile enough to be able to enjoy the outdoors, it may be a good idea to prep the outside of your home. Some good ideas are: low- or no-lip entrances to doorways, motion sensor lighting for walkways, and maybe even a small bench for setting down packages while you search for those pesky keys. It may be a good idea, too, to consider installing a ramp if your ability to walk up the stairs isn’t what it used to be. At Cherkas Home Improvement, we can take the time to plan out projects specific to your needs that will help you remain independent in your home. If you’re in need of any home improvement project, look no further than Cherkas Home Improvement. We pride ourselves on our extensive list of projects and services, and our growing list of repeat customers is a testament to the quality of our work. To request service, visit our website.