What should caretakers in Toledo know about accidental falls?
Falls can be much more dangerous for seniors than for their younger counterparts. They have more fragile bones and slower reaction times so a fall that might cause no more than a bruise on a teenager might be dangerous or even fatal for an elderly citizen. Below is a table from a 2018 report by the CDC that indicates the rate of fatal falls per 100,000 people in Ohio and in the US as a whole.
While it’s good to note that Ohio’s rate of fatal falls is lower than the national average, that’s no reason to let down your guard. Part of the reason the number is lower is because of responsible people like you who help their aging loved ones find quality Toledo accessibility construction to update their homes for safety.
What are some concerns that accessibility construction in Toledo can address?
Whether it’s a Toledo bathroom remodel for seniors or a full-home renovation, there are a number of issues that aging-in-place construction can address. As the following table suggest, these fall into two categories: safety and accessibility. Safety concerns have to do with your loved one’s ability to live without fear of harm in their home. Accessibility concerns deal with your loved one’s ability to reach all the parts of their home easily and safely.
Aging in place construction can address:
- Safety
- Wide, well-lit path or ramp to the front door to prevent falls
- Anti-scald controls to prevent burns
- Grab bars in the bathroom to provide support when maneuvering in hazardous places
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair-friendly wide hallways and doorways for maneuverability
- Curbless shower with a seat to make showering easier
- Secure handrails and increased visibility to aid in ascending and descending stairs
This is not a comprehensive list of safety and accessibility features, but only a sampling. Other features that can be added to the home include an elevator to carry your loved one from lower to upper floors, a full replacement of the lighting in the home so your senior can see clearly during every activity, and more.
How do I find the best accessibility construction in Toledo?
Hiring the right Toledo accessibility construction contractor is important for the well-being of your senior and yourself. The wrong contractor can bring on headaches that are unnecessary. To avoid problems, check the following things when searching for a contractor.
First, learn the local and state regulations and make sure that your contractor has a registered license to operate in the area and is fully insured. This is the minimum requirement for any contractor.
Next, see if they are members of the National Association of Home Builders. If so, this indicates that they are serious about keeping their skills and techniques up to date. Also, see if they are CAPS certified. If so, they have made the extra effort to understand the needs and challenges of construction for seniors who are aging in place.
A good contractor will be happy to provide recent references and photos of similar jobs they have completed. Finally, have your aging relative meet with the contractor and make sure they feel comfortable and respected by them.
For more information, check out our comprehensive guide to aging-in-place remodeling.
Home remodeling for seniors in Toledo
Whether you’re worried about loose flooring or your loved one needs a full remodel to make their home safe and comfortable to live in, Seasons will help you find a qualified contractor for seniors in Toledo. Look over our aging-in-place construction listings and reviews to find the right contractor for your loved one’s home today.
