It’s not uncommon for seniors to require certain changes to their home as they get older. Homes are not normally built to adequately accommodate seniors, and do not have the necessary elements that make life easier and safer. If you don’t plan on living in a retirement or nursing home, ensuring that your home is outfitted with what you need is crucial. This is why conducting a home modification consultation is so important. Read on to learn more about how a home modification consultation can help you, and what it can do to keep you safe in the future.
What is a Home Modification Consultation?
Essentially, this is an inspection that is meant to determine how well-suited your home is to senior living. There are many aspects of a typical home that are probably not helpful for your safety. For instance, do you have grab bars or handrails installed in places where it is difficult for you to stand? A fall can seriously injure you, and can even be fatal. This is just one example of a home that isn’t fit for senior living. A home modification consultation gives you a comprehensive checklist of what to look for. The AARP has released this checklist, so take a look in order to determine where your home stands.
Details Matter
When outfitting your home with practical aspects such as grab bars or handrails, it’s also important to consider the smaller details that can make a big difference. For example, it’s a good idea to allow plenty of light to filter into the home. The brighter, the better! Also, consider using bright and contrasting colors to decorate the home. You could use white walls and light colored carpets coupled with dark furniture. Furniture should also be arranged in a way that can help support you, while still leaving pathways unobstructed.
Financing
You may be concerned about being able to afford all of these changes. However, you don’t need to worry. There are private and public funding options available to cover the cost of repairs and renovations. Your local Area Agencies on Aging, or AAA, is going to be able to provide you with funding allocated by the Older Americans Act. Your town or city might also have some sort of public lending process that can help provide community support in the form of renovation for seniors. You should also be sure that you’re choosing the right contractor. Look online for reviews and ratings, and do some shopping before you finally decide on a contractor. Or, if you’re feeling unsure, you can always ask a trusted family member to help you find a contractor that you can trust. Freedom Mobility is dedicated to providing exceptional service that leads to maximum independence and optimum mobility for seniors. Our wheelchairs and wheelchair accessories are perfect for those who require mobility assistance. We pride ourselves on excellent customer service, as well as quality products. Are you looking for the perfect place to purchase your new wheelchair or wheelchair accessory? Give us a call, and we can help!