If you have a senior loved one who pays regular visits to your home, you likely want to ensure they are as comfortable as possible. Part of providing your seniors comfort is giving them the confidence they need to access your home independently, especially if they have certain mobility issues. Creating a clean, well-designed entranceway can help your senior loved one navigate your home with ease and make them feel secure and safe. Here are some tips on preparing your home's entranceway, courtesy of Senior Helpers Greensburg.
1. Build an Accessible Ramp
Seniors with mobility issues can benefit from a ramp as an alternative to stairs. A ramp allows seniors to easily navigate your entranceway, walking confidently up to your front door without concerns of falling or slipping. Seniors who use wheelchairs will also appreciate the addition of a ramp. Before you tackle this project, however, check local building laws to make sure that your HOA allows for the addition of a ramp to your entranceway.
2. Look Out for Dangerous Steps
If your entranceway has steps, check on them frequently. Depending on the material they are made of, steps can wear down fairly quickly. Stone steps can chip, while wooden steps can easily fracture and break, especially in extreme weather.
3. Clear Debris From the Entranceway
Whether your senior loved one has mobility issues or not, it is always a good idea to clear and clean the entranceway before a visit. This could include sweeping the area, dusting well, and picking up any large pieces of debris. If your area has experienced rain or winter weather, be sure to check to see if there are any slippery spots before your senior comes to visit you. You don't want them to slip and fall on an unexpected icy patch or spot of water!
4. Ensure That Routine Maintenance is Done
Every once in a while, check on any handrails and steps in your entranceway. It is easy to neglect routine maintenance on these items, but even easier for seniors to slip on a loose step or lose their grip on a handrail that has come loose. If you have a handyman who pays regular visits to your house to fix things, have them check out your entranceway thoroughly and explain to them that you have a senior relative who regularly utilizes it.
Senior Helpers Supports Seniors and Their Relatives
With some regular maintenance and a bit of forethought, your senior relative can enjoy stress-free visits to your home and easily navigate your entranceway. If you are interested in senior caregiving services, reach out to Senior Helpers Greensburg. We serve senior adults in and around the Greensburg, Jeanette, Irwin/North Huntingdon, Latrobe, Monroeville, Murrysville, Export, Delmont, and Mt Pleasant areas. Contact us today to learn more!