Your home is the place where you should be the most comfortable. It’s important for seniors to have a home that is safe, comfortable, and hospitable. If you’ve lived in the same house for years, you’ve likely already added your own touch to the design, but as time goes on, you might need to make some changes. Here are a few ideas to help you live safely and comfortably as you age.

Safety-Related Renovations

As you grow older, home safety precautions should become more of a priority. Each year, thousands of older adults experience devastating falls that affect their mobility for the rest of their lives. Often these falls occur right in the home. Luckily, falls in the home are one of the most preventable problems, and one of the easiest ways to prevent these injuries is to install non-slip flooring that is easier to grip on to with bare feet or socks.

Another renovation that is a necessity for those who are wheelchair bound is ramps throughout the home. Even if you have an at home nurse that can help guide you up and down the stairs, it’s much safer to have ramps installed to prevent any mishaps from happening. This also allows you to have more freedom in your own home as you become less mobile. If you don’t live in a ranch style home, you might also consider chairlifts to easily access different floors of your home without risking a fall.

Renovating the kitchen area or any storage areas with high cupboards is also something to consider. If you have to dangerously balance to reach items at high places, you’re risking a fall. Redesigning those areas with more reachable storage spaces will help you have an easier and safer time accessing items in your home. Also, make sure that any entrances into your home are easily accessible and minimize tripping hazards.

Comfort-Related Renovations

Safety shouldn’t be the only concern when it comes to renovating your personal space. You should be able to enjoy upgrades that add comfort as well. Living room additions that add more space are great for having friends and family come to visit. Also related to safety, renovating your bathrooms can add to the comfort of your home. Making the toilets and showers easily accessible with plenty of handles for easy access brings you comfort and safety. If you want to avoid slips in the bathroom as much as possible, there are walk-in tubs that are easy to get in and out of and allow much more room. Unlike a traditional bathtub where you likely have to step over the side to enter, a walk in allows you to open a door to enter, making it much more safe and comfortable.

Another comfort related upgrade to your home could be in your outdoor areas like your garden or deck. Having a nice outside space allows you to host family gatherings during the summer months and to spend more time outside. If you enjoy gardening, you could make a stand up garden, which will allow you to garden without having to bend down. If you have an extreme greenthumb, you could have a small greenhouse built, which will allow you to garden throughout the whole year. You deserve to live comfortably during your retirement years, so make sure you make the necessary renovations to make that possible.

Keep Costs In Mind

As a retiree, you’ll want to be careful of how much money you spend on these upgrades since the costs can start to add up. If you do decide to fund these projects with a loan, just be aware of the required credit score for a personal loan and what you’ll likely qualify for. Assuming you have your house in your will, you’ll want your family to inherit a nice house without the added stress of any of the debts you have left over. Cut back on the bigger renovations if you have to and focus on the work that is most vital to your safety in the home.

Guest Room Renovation

Having a guest room is important for when you have family over or when you have someone staying more permanently to take care of you. Updating the look by repainting or replacing old furniture can help provide a more comfortable space for guests.

At the end of the day, your safety should always come first. It’s important to make sure that your home renovations ensure your safety throughout your home. Then you can add comfort upgrades afterwards.