Tag: barrier free living

Reason To Hire A Handicap Accessible Ramp Installation Professional

Posted on August 20, 2012 by Creative Programs and Systems

Adding a handicap accessible ramp to your home is a project best left to the pros. This is true whether you are looking to put in place a custom wood ramp designed with a current porch space in mind or a more temporary aluminum ramp solution. Handicap ramp installation is a job for the professionals. It is difficult to properly install and build a handicap accessible ramp without complete knowledge of what needs to done. This helps to maximize the ramps usability and safety for the user.

When a handicap ramp contractor first meets with you to talk about what your need is in regards to adding a ramp onto the entrance they will already be well aware of the ADA requirements. This can be tricky for an amateur ramp designer. The other thing that professionals bring to the table is that they are well versed in the laws surrounding the addition of a ramp to the home. They have experience working with the city and will be able to determine right away if the site is compatible with certain designs and if not will be able to suggest what will work.

Professional ramp contractors come to the home with the necessary skills to start planning for the ramp. Many do it yourself type people rely on the “wing it” method. This will not work in regards to a handicap ramps and the safety of your loved one. Ramps installers come prepared to put a drawing together of what is needed. They also take into account when digging is required and are able to notify the proper authorities to get the property surveyed for gas lines, power lines and other electrical wires.

Handicap ramps are a bit tricky to design and implement. When they are being designed around an existing dwelling it is especially difficult. Professionals are able to look at the details in regards to the wheelchair accessible ramp and design it with the ADA guidelines for the maximum run length, landing space, leveling, hand rail requirements and minimum and maximum widths of openings and landings. This is a lot of information for a novice to perfect for inspectors who will be ensuring the viability of the ramp.

Budgeting is also something to consider when looking at having a ramp installed. Professional ramp installation companies will give you multiple quotes to consider before settling in on a particular type. Remember, certain materials will need more care to maintain. If you are considering a wooden handicap ramp to be installed it will need to be treated and cared for after the initial installation. Also consider if your area is wet or snowy you will have to accommodate with traction at key points throughout the ramp.

Having a ramp installed on your home is a new adventure for most homeowners. If you are unsure of exactly what you are looking for as the installers for pictures of work that has previously been done by him for inspiration. Homeowners can also seek ideas from neighbors who have had ramps built. Ramps are a project often too complicate for the average homeowner. Seriously consider hiring a professional in for this age in place renovation.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

barrier free living, Bathroom renovation, Handicap Construction, Handyman Services, Hardwood Floor Remodeling, Home Remodeling, Home Safety Modifications For Seniors, kitchen remodeling, Wheelchair Ramp Installation

Preparations For The Home When Caring For Aging Parents

Posted on August 20, 2012 by Creative Programs and Systems

With the costs associated with various assisted living communities and retirement facilities it is becoming infeasible to consider this option for many seniors. There is a rise of seniors aging in place, continuing to live within their homes with modifications, and moving in with their adult children to care for them. With this rise in at home care there are certain adjustments to the home that need to be made to ensure the safety of elderly parents.

Whether you are moving your parents in to your home or they are staying in theirs things to consider change as they grow even older. At first it might not be apparent that an adjustment in how they enter and exit the home is needed. However as they age and their needs change it is possible that the entrance will need to be equipped with a handicap accessible ramp. These ramps can be temporary or permanent and come in a variety of materials. You can purchase custom aluminum wheelchair ramps or have a custom built wooden handicap ramp installed. Handicap ramps allow seniors ease of access whether on foot, using a walker, cane or in a wheelchair.

Another area of great concern for aging parents is the bathroom area. Privacy is still a large concern for them and this space should allow for independent ease of access. There are several ways to update accessibility in a bathroom wither permanent or temporary. If you are looking to make permanent changes a barrier free shower with a seating area is a wonderful upgrade. Another upgrade that needs to be made is the use of grab bars and safety rails. It is also important to install a raised toilet or raised seat over the toilet. Getting up from a seated position is difficult as we age. Remember space around the sink needs to be easily accessed as well.

If an aging parent is moving into your home consider it is imperative to set up a space for them to escape to. Remember aging does not come easily for them either. They have become set in their ways and adjusted to quiet and personal space; moving in with an adult child was not what they had planned either. Turn a larger room in the home into a bedroom area with seating, a television, phone and possibly a small refrigerator. This way when they are ready to retreat they are able to.

It is important to make sure the home is as free of hazards as possible. Mobility issues become ever more visible as we age. Throw rugs and rough transitions can all turn into tripping dangers. This is even truer if a walker is in use within the home.

Aging in place is an incredibly common option in elder care nowadays. If you know this is what you are hoping for when it comes to your loved ones consider guiding their home renovations in this direction as they begin to age within their own homes. The same will be true within your own space. If you know a parent living with you is in the cards eventually it is best to make the small changes and upgrade gradually as you are renovation currently.

Barrier free home renovations are a valuable when it comes to the resale value of a home as well. The accommodations that can be made within the space are incredible and can be done without bring attention to the fact they are being done for elder care. Age in place modifications can be done in a sleek, custom manner that prevents the home from looking as if it is a care facility. It is amazing what a licensed professional in barrier free remodeling can do to transform your accommodations for elder care.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

Simple Easy Methods To Slow Aging

Posted on June 8, 2012 by Creative Programs and Systems

Aging is a thing that is certainly unavoidable and many people don’t look forward to it. There are lots of stereotypes about aging that are incorrect. Aging can be an enjoyable process if you locate the way to embrace it. By looking into making simple changes towards the life you might be already living you can also stay in your home and age in position. This document will give you some tips to help you enjoy the aging process, rather than dreading it.

A means to slow getting older is to find meaning in your life. Getting the feeling that somebody expects that you be somewhere on a weekly basis, that you’ve friends that trust your or that you’ve a teen that looks for your requirements for guidance could be the inspiration you should desire to live longer. Have a go at groups that travel or senior center activities. Invite friends over for supper and cards. It’s always best to have a balance between bringing life in your environment and getting out.

If you wish to live longer and lead a proper life, move out and walk. The self-help guide to walking is usually to walk 6000 to ten thousand steps every day. Have an inexpensive pedometer to record your steps and acquire out and walk. You don’t need to be an experienced marathon runner to take pleasure from some great benefits of a sound body. Add a friend to the mix and walking gets a great social outlet. The key objective is to maintain your mobility. With the ability to get around helps seniors to live independently longer. If aging available is essential to you personally because an assisted living facility isn’t your notion of fun then make sure you are leading a dynamic lifestyle.

An advice and also hardwearing . skin on top of its game is usually to lather sunscreen to assist steer clear of the aging of the epidermis. The sun is spreading hazardous UV radiation, which can dramatically damage the skin and cause lines, wrinkles, and also melanoma. To avoid this radiation from getting to your skin, wear sunscreen protection or wear enough clothing to guard yourself. Even on cloudy days, the rays can penetrate the clouds.

Every night, sleep a minimum of 7 to 9 hours. Insufficient sleep can lead to diseases from depression to coronary disease, and has been associated with cancer. Exercise helps. Some doctors recommend melatonin (a hormone manufactured in humans through the pineal gland) or L-theanine, an amino found in tea. See an age management physician for advice on leading and maintaining cook since your needs change. It can be difficult to admit it your needs medicinally should be revamped and geared toward aging to prevent small issue leading into some thing.

Keeping mentally active can help anyone to age gracefully. Mental activities be more difficult as we age, but like a muscle, mental performance could be kept match activity. Some popular pastimes which encourage mental activity are suduko and crossword puzzles. Conducting a puzzle each day can keep forgetfulness away. Another activity that is fun and keeps your brain working is games about the computer or even games using the grand kids on the wii systems or x-boxes. Not only is this a terrific way to keep your mind sharp but to get fun at the same time.

Be sure to spend your days with issues that you love knowning that give you happiness. Should it be a pet that keeps you going, or colors and music. Anything, make your home your refuge, a location to escape the stressors around the globe you live in. If surrounding yourself with others is what keeps you going than you will need to be certain that you’re associated with social events. If you are an individual that adores your dog have a go at volunteer activities that surround working with animals. Shelters will always be needing website visitors to help. You might answer phones or play with the kittens. Hospitals also have programs for seniors to volunteer time. Whatever you interests revolve around is where you could consider looking.

Simple handicap construction modifications can be added around your home to really make it a safe and secure environment to remain to age in. Help your house be easier to get around in by removing rugs and also other things it is simple to slip on. Place things that you apply on a regular basis within reach. By making your house easier to live in, you can relax rather than can not do things you once did. Adapt, and ageing will likely be easier. This is often easily accomplished with a barrier free specialist into the future in and access how old you are available needs. Bear in mind the needs you have will change while you age further so it is important to make renovations in the home with this in mind.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor completes a variety of construction projects from the home. If you interested in home safety modifications, handicap construction and general home remodeling and renovations check Glen’s work out online today where you will find useful information and solutions on a variety of

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

Head Off Accidents By Creating A Secure Barrier Free Home

Posted on May 22, 2012 by Creative Programs and Systems

Handicap construction including barrier free living has become the most up-to-date trend in senior care. Developing a space that allows individuals with special needs to live independently and in a safe environment is the goal for many of us with aging seniors and family members that have any kind handicap. One of the greatest troublesome areas in different home for accidents is the bathroom.

Planning for a handicap accessible bathroom is incredibly essential in age in place bathroom renovation. When considering the next phase don’t overlook how important ease of access is when considering the shower or bath tub unit. You can actually overlook but when dealing in handicap construction is a bit of the puzzle to take into account within the overall bathroom design.

Individuals met with mobility challenges require tweaking in construction design however still want exactly the same things someone without a challenge want independence and privacy. The goal in making use of bathroom safety aides is to create this private, independent space for their use. Thankfully technology today gives us use of bathroom aides which are designed if you use a walker, wheelchair or scooter device in mind.

Think about when folks are in need of utilizing a wheelchair regularly. In handling the important points linked to handicap construction you must ensure each room is easily accessible. Because of this doorways need to be wider than the usual standard door. The ADA standard requires a thirty-six inch door opening as a minimum requirement for doorway access. Hallways should easily accommodate with a minimum width of forth eight inches. When measuring for handicap constructions take into consideration the turn radius of the wheelchair too. A wheelchair should easily be capable of turn from the bathroom.

Showers which are handicap accessible provide an environment that’s comfortable and secure making the showering receive an independent experience. When constructing your bathrooms to match handicap mobility need a number of key features to keep in mind. One of these brilliant is adding seating to the shower area. The idea is to generate a barrier free shower with easy access for your wheelchair to get moved in and out. Adding an internal seat will ensure safety and simplicity of transfer. It’s also important to consider adding multiple grab bars and convenient shelving for bath care items. Keeping pieces of reach allow individuals to accommodate their own showering needs without requiring assistance. This really is something we all value however are especially grateful for if it’s easy.

The toilet is the one other item to consider in a handicap construction bathroom remodel. This can be something most of us ignore: the simplicity of waking up through the toilet. In handicap construction it is crucial to never miss this element. Purchase a toilet that’s meant particularly for people with mobility needs. The ADA recommends the use of toilets which might be higher or investing in a chair for use over the toilet. Also mount grab bars all-around individuals to use to transfer on and off the commode. Consider the level of the sink, soap and hand towels too.

When contemplating a handicap construction bathroom remodel to aid your aging senior or handicap loved one involve them in the process. The person may be the best supply of information as much as what’s going to ease their life and build a completely independent environment.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

Protective Hints To Help With Hurdle Free Living

Posted on May 22, 2012 by Creative Programs and Systems

Gravity is one of the particular things that as we become older, becomes less and less of a friend. Seniors experience a natural loss of mobility and are more prone to falling. They exhaust muscle strength and become increasingly less able bodied. All of the particular changes make it more probable for seniors to endure severe injuries, even death. It has been stated that over fifty percent of accidents involving seniors happen within the four walls of their home.

A fall can have unfavorable impact on a senior’s ability to blossom in an self-sufficient circumstance. Even healthy seniors who fall may suffer from debilitating injuries, such as a damaged hip or an injury to the head leaving them in need of consistent care within a long-term supervision facility or long-term hospitalization. This alone can alter a senior’s life and remove the senior of being able to care for themselves.

Preventing accidents from happening in the first place is the key in assisting the seniors we love to stay secure while at home. This takes a few straightforward changes to modify the home climate. Seniors acquire a deep desire to age in place. Making minimum changes to an individual’s home can enable them to stay living at home longer which has been proven to keep them living a healthy, independent life. Easy age in place improvement can leave seniors in their homes for up to ten years longer than if home protective modifications are not done.

Here is a list of manageable changes that can be made to your aging loved ones home to improve their security while choosing to live alone.

De-clutter the house. This decreases the likelihood of tripping. Look for items placed about the house such as plants, scatter rugs, stacks of papers or magazines that could be jumbling the walk ways making it hazardous to move about. Cords to may be a hazard so tuck them in and use clips to attach them to the baseboards.

The floors are another concern in the home to think about. Carpets should not be shaggy as this can make movement using a walker complicated. Tile and vinyl can be slippery especially in the washroom. Make sure to use a slip resistant bathmat for drying off.

If stairs are still used by loved ones think about the installation of hand rails on both sides of the stairway.

The illumination in and out of the home should be bright and frequent throughout the home.

Doorknobs and kitchen cabinets should be adapted out with levers and pulls to make them simplier for seniors to grip hold of.

The bathroom is a room within the home that needs to be handled with great care.

Grab bars should be installed throughout the house around the tub, shower and toilet area.

Toilet seats that are taller than normal should be established or a raised bathroom safety seat. This helps with maturing knees and weak arms that don’t always want to cooperate bending.

If it is possible a bathroom remodel can really develop a bathroom safe for seniors. Consider installing a walk-in shower or tub with seating.

The surface of the shower and tub areas should be covered with slip resistant mats.

The water temperature should be lowered to prevent scalding and knobs should be easy to turn for frail hands without a great deal of strength.

The kitchen is another place that creates an atmosphere not conducive to becoming older.

Everything that is used on a regular basis should be well within reach.

Phone numbers should be programmed into a telephone that is able to be carried and used throughout the home.

Medication should be in packaging that has large writing and clear directions with easy to unscrew lids that make getting medication more convenient for your loved one.

It is important to keep our aging community safe while they choose to age in place. Remodeling a home is a minor step we can take as caregivers to ensure their safety and happiness. Allowing them to age at home by creating a secure, workable, independent home environment is a gift any senior would treasure.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor