As we look ahead to the future, many of us want to make sure we can comfortably and safely stay in the Southern Maryland home we love. You might also be accommodating an older family member in your home with you. Whichever the reason, it’s worth looking for solutions to make your home more age-friendly. Aging can, of course, bring about some new challenges, but there are often great solutions homeowners can incorporate to make their homes work for them. Here are a few ideas to consider:

Can You Enter with Ease?

Especially in winter, getting in and out of the house safely is a top priority, so your entryway deserves strong consideration. Is there a stable path to walk on, or are there broken stones that need to be repaired? What about your plan for snow removal? Is there sufficient light in the evenings? If there are steps leading to any of the doors, are the railings secure? With a bit of attention, homeowners can get their entryways in tip-top shape.

Does Your Lighting Need a Boost?

Eyesight can diminish with age, and simply taking note of places that could use a bit more light can help homeowners avoid frustration down the road. Whether it’s adding brighter bulbs, increasing the number of lamps, or installing additional lighting in staircases and hallways, making sure you have enough light to see comfortably can make your home more age-friendly. Automatic lights, either motion-sensor or on a timer, can be a great option for many homeowners.

Are Your Surfaces Slip-Proof?

This is especially important for the bathroom. Showers and tile floors can get quite slippery, and there’s no need to risk falling. Rubber mats or grippy strips on the floor of your tub can instantly improve your shower safety. And ensuring you have a towel or rug to use for damp feet can eliminate a lot of the potential for a slip.

Are You Clear on Maintenance?

Planning out the yearly maintenance in advance is a smart plan for any homeowner. As we get older, some of these maintenance tasks might get a bit challenging. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to relocate though. As I mentioned above, snow removal is one important area to consider, but there are countless tasks that homeowners need to do to keep their homes secure and well-maintained. From cleaning the gutters to managing the yard, it’s important to consider which tasks can be done on your own and which you might need some assistance with.

Modify in Advance Whenever Possible

Not every homeowner plans for aging in advance. And this can mean the house isn’t ready when we need it to be. Anticipating potential needs and challenges that might arise can give you the time to plan for them without the stress of needing them to be solved right away. Thinking about what your options are, even if you don’t act yet, can really give you a helpful head-start.

 

If you’d like to discuss any of these upgrades, or you need recommendations for local handymen or contractors, please reach out. I’d be happy to set aside some time to talk.