What should caretakers in Sioux City know about accidental falls?
It can be tough for older adults who experience falls to recover due to pre-existing conditions, weakened bones, and other complications of advanced age. Even worse, some seniors are not able to recover from their falls. The following CDC data takes a look at the percentage of fatal falls among seniors in Iowa:
Learning that the number of fatal falls older adults have experienced in Iowa is higher than the national average presents a great opportunity to become more diligent about safety. Let’s say that your loved one has uneven floors in their home. This is a good time to seek the help of a contractor who has experience in leveling floors to create a safer environment for your senior.
What home hazards should caregivers in Sioux City look out for?
If your loved one has been living in their home for years or decades, it might be difficult to pinpoint the many ways their house could present hazards. You don’t want your senior to discover the risks of living in their home following a devastating injury. Instead, take a look at the following overview of potential fall hazards for seniors:
- Slippery throw rugs
- Dim lighting
- Raised thresholds and other tripping hazards
- Pets (they do tend to get underfoot!)
In addition to these hazards, it’s good to think about other risks of falling and how your loved one can improve their home to avoid this fate. For example, if your senior has mobility issues that make traveling up and down the stairs dangerous, they might consider adding a chair lift to their stairway. They could also consider having shelves or cabinets adjusted to avoid stepping onto an unstable stool to reach items above their head.
How do I find the best accessibility construction in Sioux City?
Before beginning your search for a contractor that specializes in Sioux City accessibility construction, it’s important to get a clear understanding of your loved one’s home renovation needs. For example, are they interested in a simple project like replacing round doorknobs with lever-style handles that make opening doors easier? Would they like to replace their current flooring with slip-resistant flooring? Or do they need to improve the lighting in and around their home? Depending on their desired updates, you might have to look for more than one contractor to complete each project.
As you reach out to contractors, it’s good to make sure that they have a registered license number. You can also ask if they’re insured and follow local and state requirements. You’ll want to find out if they are registered with the National Association of Home Builders, which shows their willingness to continuously update their skills and techniques. To confirm their knowledge of senior accessibility and aging-in-place construction, it’s good to find out if they are Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists (CAPS).
Learn more about this topic by checking out our comprehensive guide to aging-in-place remodeling.
Home remodeling for seniors in Sioux City
There are so many benefits your senior can enjoy from getting the assistance of a contractor who specializes in Sioux City aging-in-place remodeling. Whether they want to adjust their wall switches or lower the cooktop so that burners are more easily accessible, there are experts ready to help. You can also find a contractor for a Sioux City bathroom remodel for seniors if they want to install anti-scalding temperature controls or grab bars in the showers. Let Seasons help you find the right assistance for your loved one. Review our listings for aging-in-place contractors today.