Did you know seniors' homes might look like regular houses from the outside, but they’re so much more? Inside, we focus on making seniors feel safe and comfortable—much more than in a typical home. Here are five must-have items!
Key Takeaways
- Safety and accessibility are very important for seniors and the elderly. Homes should have grab bars, good lighting, and updated smoke alarms.
- Reputable handyman services make modifications and ongoing maintenance simple and cost-efficient.
- Choosing a handyman subscription plan ensures consistent care and avoids last-minute emergencies.
Why Senior-Friendly Home Updates Matter
Making a home functional and safe isn’t just about convenience; it’s about wellbeing. Features like grab bars in bathrooms, good lighting in hallways, and slip-resistant floors are not luxuries. They are necessary to reduce risks like falls or accidents. Other updates, like making sure smoke detectors work or having strong handrails on stairs, may seem small. However, they can greatly improve safety.
If you’re assessing a home’s readiness for senior living, consider the following key elements. These adjustments reduce hazards and simplify daily tasks. If these elements are missing or outdated, a skilled professional can check the home. They can install needed fixtures and make changes quickly and safely. This allows seniors to enjoy their homes without worrying about what might go wrong.
5 Essential Home Features for Seniors
Creating a senior-friendly home often involves taking small, thoughtful steps. Here are five features that every home for older adults should have:
1. Grab Bars and Handrails
Grab bars are essential in bathrooms, especially near toilets, bathtubs, and showers, where slips are most common. Handrails provide additional stability on stairs or even in hallways. These fixtures are crucial for fall prevention, as they give seniors something sturdy to hold onto when moving through their homes.
2. Slip-Resistant Surfaces
Using mats with non-slip backings or changing floors to slip-resistant materials can help stop falls in places like bathrooms or kitchens. Rugs with rubber bases also help minimize hazards while maintaining comfort.
3. Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are critical in every home, especially in senior living spaces. They might not see early signs of danger. Audible and easy-to-maintain detectors are ideal for elderly homeowners.
4. Bright Lights and Motion Detectors
Low lighting is a problem in preventing trips and falls, so installing high-quality, accessible lights is a must. Motion-sensor lighting is very helpful for seniors. It removes the need to search for switches at night or in dark areas.
5. Lever-Style Door Handles & Keyless Entry System
Switching to lever door handles and a keyless lock can improve home safety for seniors. Lever handles are easier to use than round knobs, especially for stiff or sore hands. Keyless locks let seniors enter with a code, no keys needed.
Common Services Requested by Seniors
Maintaining a home as we age often means handling ongoing wear and tear. For seniors, routine home care can become overwhelming without additional support. Here are some common home maintenance services that seniors and their families use to keep homes safe and working well:
- Plumbing Maintenance: Fixing leaks, unclogging drains, and installing simple faucets are common tasks for seniors. They want plumbing systems that are efficient and easy to use.
- Door and Lock Repairs: It is important that doors open easily and locks are safe and easy to use. This helps with accessibility and safety.
- Furniture Adjustments: From wall-mounted shelves to reinforced chairs, adjusting furniture contributes to stability and ease of use.
- Gutter and Roof Maintenance: Seasonal tasks like cleaning gutters and making small roof repairs help keep your home safe from the weather.
Skilled professionals can help seniors manage home maintenance. This support keeps family members from feeling overwhelmed. FixHome+ offers a wide range of home maintenance services. To view the full list, click the link here.
Senior Home Maintenance: Why Handyman Subscriptions Are the Best Choice
Living in a home that is friendly for aging is not just about making upgrades. It is also about keeping everything running well over time. Subscription handyman services are a great option for seniors and their families in Chicago's Northwest Suburbs and North Shore. FixHome+ provides peace of mind for home care.
- Consistent Maintenance With Less Stress: A subscription provides regular check-ins. This helps fix small repairs or hazards before they become big problems. This proactive approach reduces the need for emergency fixes, giving seniors consistent upkeep they can rely on.
- Affordable and Predictable Costs: Budgeting for home maintenance becomes more manageable with predictable monthly fees. This removes unexpected costs. Subscription plans are convenient and budget-friendly for those who need ongoing care. More about handyman packages price here.
- Personalized Service Tailored to Needs: Subscription services often allow homeowners to create customized to-dos. With a regular schedule, the house's special needs are met. This includes its structure, seasonal changes, and safety requirements.
FixHome+: Tailored Support for Senior Homes
For seniors in the Chicago suburbs, FixHome+ offers an affordable and easy handyman service. This service is available in Cook County and Lake County. You can find the full list of areas served here. Designed specifically to handle the ongoing needs of aging homeowners, FixHome+ ensures that everything from safety modifications to routine maintenance is addressed efficiently.
Benefits of the FixHome+ Approach
- Convenient App Access: The FixHome+ app makes managing tasks and services effortless. Whether scheduling visits, tracking progress, or receiving updates on completion, everything is at your fingertips.
- Options for Those Who Don't Like Smartphones: If a senior cannot use a smartphone, they can still get help. A simple phone call to FixHome+ will connect them to support. We help create a demo visit and a FixHome+ to-do list. Experts focus on urgent needs, and FixHome+ handymen arrive prepared to handle priority fixes. After finishing quick repairs, they help plan future tasks.
This ensures a smooth and ongoing system for home care. For seniors, this means the process is easy. Their home stays in good shape without needing constant help from them.
How Families Stay in Control
For families who want to check on their senior loved ones, the FixHome+ app helps keep everyone updated. Updates on tasks and maintenance help relatives feel secure about the home’s condition. You can register your parents' house in the service yourself. You can also manage their subscription from afar. This gives you full control over all the details during renovations.
F.A.Q.s
They provide a range of assistance, including non-slip flooring installation, light upgrades, furniture repairs, plumbing fixes, and more.
Better lighting reduces trip hazards and increases comfort when navigating during dim conditions. Motion-sensor lights are especially beneficial.
Definitely. Subscription services ensure that small issues are addressed before they escalate, reducing long-term costs and stress. If you look at the cost of regular repair services, a handyman with a set price is cheaper. This is especially true if they work nearby.
It depends on several factors: the size and condition of the house, as well as the list of required tasks. We recommend choosing the Essential subscription, which provides more visits throughout the year.
Closing Thoughts
Making a home safer and more comfortable for seniors is one of the most caring investments you can make. We help older adults enjoy their golden years at home by adding useful features and providing reliable maintenance services. From home improvement for seniors to regular upkeep—every step matters. At FixHome+, we make things easier. We provide peace of mind for families and help seniors stay independent and safe. We proudly serve Chicago’s northwest suburbs and the North Shore. Start planning today to create a safer and more comfortable tomorrow.
Slip-Resistant Surfaces photo: Chastity Cortijo on Unsplash
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