Hey there! So, you know how it is these days. More and more seniors want to age in place and stay in the homes they've been in for years. I mean, who wouldn't want to stay in a place filled with memories and all that good stuff, am I right? But, let's be real, homes can be dangerous if they're not set up to be senior-friendly. Luckily, there are a few renovation tips you can do to help out your favorite seniors and keep them in their homes longer.

First things first, create a plan. Walk through the house and look for any problem areas that could be a tripping or slipping hazard, areas that are hard to access or maintain, and stairs. Or, if you want to be fancy, get a professional home assessment done to get a summary of recommendations for fall prevention and home safety.

Now, for the fun part! Here are some renovation tips that you can do right away to make a big impact on a senior's quality of life:

• Install grab bars in the shower – Shower and tubs can be slippery, so grab bars provide added security.
• Install a shower seat – Standing in the shower can be tiring for seniors, so a foldable shower seat can provide relief and be easily stowed away.
• Replace doorknobs with lever handles – Lever handles are easier to operate than traditional doorknobs, especially for those with arthritis or hand ailments.
• Replace traditional light switches with rocker or touch switches – Traditional toggle light switches can be too small to handle or even see, so rocker or touch style switches are much easier to use.
• Use easy-to-operate hardware for windows – Fresh air is important, but windows can be hard to open for seniors. Look into window hardware options that are easier to operate.

• Install recessed lighting that illuminates cabinets and countertops – Task lighting can brighten and improve living spaces like kitchens, laundry rooms, and closets.
• Install lever handles or pedal controls for sink faucets – Lever handles on sink faucets make them easier to operate, but foot pedals can be even more helpful for those with mobility issues and save money on the water bill.
• Install sensor lighting at each entry – Sensor lighting is a good safety feature for any house, but it can especially help older residents with impaired nighttime vision feel secure in their homes.
  

Now, if you're feeling ambitious and want to make some more extensive changes, here are some other ideas:

• Have a light switch at every room entrance – Seniors need as much visibility as possible, so extra light switches can be super helpful.
• Have visual contrast at every level change, including stairs – Low visual contrast can make it challenging to navigate a home for vision-impaired people, leading to more trips and falls.
• Replace high-pile with low-pile carpet – High-pile carpet increases the risk of trips and falls and impedes movement for those using a walker or cane. This also goes for throw rugs and wrinkled area rugs.
• Replace hardwood or tile with slip-resistant flooring – Slip ratings on flooring are very important for seniors. Pay special attention to high-traffic areas like entryways, bathrooms, and kitchens when choosing new flooring materials.
• Install a curbless shower – The shower is one of the most dangerous places in the home for falling, and even minor changes in elevation can be hazardous for those with mobility problems. The ability to move straight into the shower mitigates much of the risk.
• Make the entry accessible – Remove steps and obstructions from the path leading to the home’s entrance. Also, consider replacing the front porch steps with a gradual incline from the driveway.
• Have a completely livable first floor – In some homes, a chair lift is necessary, but when possible, make it easy

Now that you know some great renovation tips to help seniors age in place, it's time to take action! If you're a senior looking to make your home more accessible, talk to a contractor or a handy friend who can help you get started. And if you're a loved one or caregiver of a senior, share these tips with them and offer your assistance in making these changes.

Let's make sure our seniors can continue to live comfortably and safely in their homes for as long as possible. Happy renovating!