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Elderly Home Improvements to Accommodate a Walker

Your mom’s mobility has decreased to the point she needs a walker. When that happens, you need to consider how well her home suits her. What home improvements will make her home safer and easier to navigate? And which elderly care services can help her too?

Make Sure There Are No Entry Steps

Elderly Care Micanopy FL - Elderly Home Improvements to Accommodate a Walker — Elderly Care Micanopy FL – Elderly Home Improvements to Accommodate a Walker

Your mom needs to be able to get in and out of the house safely. This means she needs an entryway that doesn’t have steps she needs to climb. She may be able to enter through a garage or install ramps instead.

She Needs to Be on the First Floor

Going up and down steps isn’t possible without a stairlift when she needs a walker. If you cannot afford to have one installed, you need to make sure your mom lives on the main floor. At a bare minimum, she needs to have a bathroom with a shower or bath, a living/sleeping area, and a kitchenette.

Make Sure the Bathroom is Accessible

In the bathroom, a shower stall with no step-up is important. If there is a bathtub, your mom may not find it easy to step over the tub wall. In this case, grab bars and a shower seat are worthwhile investments. You should also consider upgrading the bathtub to a step-in tub or shower.

The toilet should sit higher than most toilets. You can increase the height by getting a raised toilet seat. A toilet frame with sturdy handles can also help your mom avoid a fall while using the toilet, or you can pick a raised toilet seat that has built-in handles.

Widen the Doorways and Hallways

Hallways and doorways need to be wide enough to accommodate the walker. If they’re not at least 36 inches wide, you should talk to a contractor about reframing the doors.

Remove Slippery Rugs and Uneven Flooring

The feet and wheels on a walker can catch on throw rugs and uneven flooring. Eliminate these hazards by putting in non-slip flooring, such as vinyl plank flooring, and make sure it is even. If you have a sunken living room where that’s not possible, use contrasting colors to ensure the different levels are easy to see.

Contact an Elderly Care Provider

To arrange elderly care aides, you want to call with a list of questions. Ask the specialist about prices, available services, and the best schedule. If possible, look for an elderly care agency that offers home assessments. That provides you with essential information about the things you may have overlooked regarding your mom’s care needs.