Growing Old Gracefully
According to a 2012 study, 90% of adults over the age of 65 report they would prefer to stay in their current residence as they age. The term that best describes this is Aging in Place.
One of the greatest threats to being able to stay age in place is falling. According to the Centers for Disease Control, falls are the leading cause of injurious death among older adults. Common features in an everyday household, such as a lack of support in the shower or bathroom and inadequate railings on stairs are possible dangers to an older person.
At Home Energy Solutions of Wisconsin, we consult with occupational therapists and other experts involved in elder care to determine the best locations for installing railings and grab rails, and we work hard to ensure they’re installed securely and safely, and that they don’t detract from the style and aesthetics of the home.
Tastefully Transforming Spaces
Utilitarian accessories can be functional and stylish
Another major barrier to aging in place is found in the bathroom. Existing toilets can be replaced or modified to compensate for our inability to get as low as we used to. Dual-handled faucets can be replaced with single handle or blade-handled styles to allow for easy operation with reduced finger dexterity. But a bathtub becomes impossible to access without assistance once we rely on a walker or wheelchair for mobility.
Accessible can be beautiful
Our capabilities include the knowledge and expertise to transform an existing bathtub-style bathroom into a beautiful, updated space that will please and accommodate everyone, from the physically able through walker users to the wheelchair-bound. We plan the space according to the user’s tastes and needs, both now and anticipated, and can do everything from installing taller toilets and wheelchair-friendly sinks and vanities to removing tubs and installing barrier-free showers.
Kitchens can also be adapted by installing faucets with either single handle or blade-type handles, raising or lowering countertop heights, installing cabinets with room for wheelchairs underneath, or completely modifying the layout.
Entering the home can become a challenge as well. Front stoops and step-up garage entries can be tastefully modified by replacing concrete steps with gentle, sloping concrete that flows from floor level to driveway level and is landscaped to look like it was always there rather than temporary-looking wood ramps.
Little Changes Can Make A Big Difference
Additionally, we can go through a home and make minor changes that make a world of difference to someone with diminishing capacities. 
Expanding a door from 28 to 36 inches is walker and wheelchair-friendly
Things like additional lights in work areas like the kitchen and bathroom, replacing toggle-style light switches with easier to operate (and see) lighted rocker-style, adding motion sensors in rooms, or fabricating elevated platforms for washers and dryers can make it easier and safer for loved ones to be at home longer.
Truly Golden Years
As “The Greatest Generation” ages, we, their children and grandchildren, want to make sure they are able to stay in their homes for as long as possible. At Home Energy Solutions of Wisconsin, we have worked hard to develop skills and knowledge to offer a great combination of beautiful upgrades for our elders and peace of mind for the generation behind them.
Is someone you love getting older? Are you looking to make your home safer and more accessible as you get older? Give us a call. We’d be honored and excited to help you make your Golden Years comfortable and memorable.
