What should caretakers in Bakersfield know about accidental falls?
If your home has loose carpeting or uneven floorboards, you probably think nothing of it. Even if you or your children trip, you likely won’t sustain any type of serious injury. Sadly, our elder loved ones cannot afford to think that way since any fall could lead to a concussion, a heartbreaking situation where they aren’t strong enough to independently pull themselves up, or even death. The following statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) compare the fatal fall rate in California to the rest of the nation:
Californians fare better than the national average, but any number above zero demands action. A professional contractor could walk through your senior’s home and leverage their expertise to find tripping hazards that you might miss. Then, they can propose solutions to make your loved one’s home more suitable for aging in place.
What are some ways smart technology can help seniors in Bakersfield?
While many people think of massive projects like widening doorways and replacing stairs with ramps when they think about Bakersfield accessibility construction, something as simple as installing smart technology could make a noticeable difference. Older adults aren’t always known for their technological know-how, but the following list from FiveStarSeniorLiving.com provides good examples of some of the potential benefits:
- Controlling lights, appliances, etc.
- Setting alarms or reminders
- Providing short, senior-specific workouts
- Allowing them to enjoy music easily
- Delivering news and weather reports
Technology can be used in both proactive and precautionary ways. For instance, allowing your loved one to change the channel with their voice and spare them the hassle of crawling around on the floor trying to find the remote. Meanwhile, appliances that can turn themselves off can help older adults with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia use them safely.
How do I find the best accessibility construction in Bakersfield?
Aging-in-place remodeling is a special type of construction project, but the contractor you choose will still make the difference between a seamless experience and an ongoing nightmare. The first step is making sure that every contractor you’re considering holds insurance and a valid license in California. Next, ask for referrals or pictures of previously completed projects to verify the quality of work a given contractor performs.
You may not know this, but there are also several specific aging-in-place qualifications to check for. CAPS (Certified Aging in Place Specialist) contractors have received extensive training on what seniors need to age in place safely and happily, while the NAHB offers training to members on a variety of topics. Your senior needs to feel comfortable asking questions throughout the remodel process, so the final step should be a face-to-face interview to make sure that two-way communication will be possible. Our comprehensive guide to aging-in-place remodeling provides more information.
Home remodeling for seniors in Bakersfield
Most houses aren’t constructed with a senior’s unique needs in mind, creating an obstacle for older adults who wish to remain in the home and community they love. Bakersfield aging-in-place remodeling is a great way to modify your elder loved one’s existing home to better facilitate living independently and safely. Use the free resources available from Seasons to help your senior right now!
