While many of us believe and live our lives on the premise that “age is just a number”, the numbers still matter. Here’s one, for example: every day, an average of 100,000 Baby Boomers turn 65 and enter a new season of life – one that presents some challenges when it comes to staying safe and comfortable in the place they call home.

Are you or a loved one are part of this rapidly growing population base? If so, here are 5 tips for making your home better suited to a longer home life of independent living.

1. Easy Entry

For older homeowners or anyone with mobility issues, being able to enter and exit a home easily is important. Consider adding a stairless entry, slope to the doorway, or a ramp. If none of these options are possible, add non-slip materials and sturdy hand rails to stairs. You can even modify the front door to have a no-threshold entry to reduce the risk of tripping and falling.

2. Low Maintenance

If the siding or deck has seen better days, upgrade to materials that require very little maintenance, like composite decking and vinyl siding. To make landscaping a little easier, choose native plants that require little care and consider installing a time activated sprinkler system.

3. Kitchen Convenience

Your kitchen doesn’t need a complete overhaul to become more user-friendly. Simply replace cabinet shelves with shelves on rollers that can pull out to access items in the back. If you opt to remodel, consider installing drawers in the base cabinets and adding a dining area that is comfortable for chairs instead of bar stools.

4. Smart Home

From appliances that beep or light up when they’re turned on to sensors and timers for interior lights, thermostat controls, and security systems, today’s manufacturers are making products that are smarter, easier, and safer to use.

5. Bathroom Safety

Change your walk-in shower to one with a zero-clearance entry (no threshold), and add a non-slip stool or bench. Replace your existing toilet with a comfort height model that makes sitting down and getting up easier. Choose flooring with some traction to help prevent slips and add some well-placed grab bars near the toilet and in the shower/bath area for an added measure of safety.

To help you or your senior parents sleep better at night, you might also want to consider adding certain home safety and security features, including:

• A home security and alarm system
• Strategically placed video surveillance cameras so you can keep an eye on your property and on those who seek to gain entry, forcibly or otherwise
• Hard-wired smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

To learn more about these home security products and our very attentive security management services, contact New Security Systems today.