Home Repairs for the Elderly: What You Need to Know

Where do I start when repairing a house for my elderly parents

Not only do people age, but their homes grow older, too. No matter how comforting the idea of aging in place might appear, a recent study has shown that the vast majority of older people have similar home maintenance needs. From exterior improvements to much-needed indoor adjustments, it’s pretty clear what they truly need is a safe and healthy environment. Luckily, with professional home repair services for seniors at your disposal in Fort Collins and across the area, it’s not a tall task at all.

However, there are a few essential pieces of information to dig into before you get down to business.

Where do I start when repairing a house for my elderly parents?

You probably already know how important home maintenance is. However, creating a senior-friendly environment facilitates your parents’ life altogether. To mitigate the risk from injuries, it’s best to start with the home’s unsafe areas well in advance. 

For example, a couple of bathroom improvements or kitchen adjustments could make a world of difference, not to mention that all the slipping and tripping on wet floors could be minimized to zero. 

In what order should I repair their house?

A thorough home assessment and prioritization are critical at this point. Spend some time with your parents and pay attention to difficulties they encounter while performing the usual tasks. You’ll probably notice that small, simple things turned into a herculean piece of work. Are they struggling with climbing the stairs? What about going to the bathroom? Is the kitchen counter too high? 

It’s their routine that holds the door to all the answers, so take it as your starting point. 

Should you DIY or hire a pro for senior home repairs?

Did you know that more than 30,000 elderly Americans are seriously injured by falling each week? A proper home adaptation for your loved ones is more than rearranging the furniture and improving lighting. Just imagine tackling the shower seat, all the grab bars, handrails, and doorknobs on your own. Unless you’re a handyman yourself, you’d better get an extra pair of hands if you want to make sure your folks are safe even when you’re not there. 

There are many reasons to hire a reputable home servicing company, but here are the most vital ones: 

  • Safety
  • Mobility
  • Self-reliance
  • More time and energy
  • Top-quality service
  • Satisfaction

With years of expertise behind, professionals know every trick from the book to get the job done right while letting you concentrate on more important life aspects, such as creating great memories with your parents.

Who offers convenient handyman services for the elderly across Fort Collins & the region?

If you’re searching for experts who offer handyman services to assist you with age-supportive home repairs, look no further. With cost-effective maintenance solutions and interventions, Handyman Connection of Fort Collins technicians will make your place age-prepared, like the famous Avery House itself. Not only will we help your parents stay in charge of their lives, but we will give them an opportunity to be happy in their elderly years. 

Don’t hesitate to give us a call and get your estimate for free! If you have any additional questions, we’ll be glad to walk you through the whole process in detail.

Top 3 Home Maintenance Issues for Seniors & How to Deal With Them

What are the most common home maintenance issues for seniors

If you’re like most aging Americans, your home is likely your biggest investment and the place where you spend most of your time. Keeping it well-maintained is key to ensuring your comfort and wellbeing. However, doing this can become increasingly difficult as you get older.

While the easiest and most reliable way for elderly individuals to ensure their houses and apartments stay in good condition is to book professional home maintenance services in Fort Collins, CO, there are still quite a few things you can do to facilitate the maintenance process and prevent costly repairs down the road.

In previous articles, we explained why regular home maintenance is so essential and gave you some tips on how to properly budget for home repairs. Now we’ll list the 3 biggest maintenance challenges American seniors face and how to effectively approach them. Read on.

What are the most common home maintenance issues for seniors?

Roof leaks, faulty insulation, mold infestations, failing electrical or plumbing systems, and other household problems are a major concern for any homeowner, but they can be especially harmful to aging individuals. Luckily, regular inspections and preemptive maintenance can keep these issues in check and avoid expensive repairs in the future.

Here are the top 3 maintenance concerns elderly Americans face:

1. Make sure your electrical system works properly

Give your ground-fault circuit interrupter outlet switches an annual checkup by pressing the test button, and then the reset. Do not attempt to fix broken outlets yourself: always outsource this task to a trained electrician.

If some light bulbs in your home have burned out, refrain from climbing onto chairs or ladders to replace them yourself, as this can be dangerous. Call in a trained maintenance worker and have them replace your old bulbs with modern LEDs that will reduce your energy expenditure and last for many years.

Loose electrical cords and other cabling that crosses the floor are always a tripping hazard, but they can be especially dangerous to seniors. Make sure your cabling is properly routed, or at least hidden under carpeting to prevent tripping.

2. Keep an eye on your plumbing and sewer systems

  • Check the water heater and the pipes under sinks for leaks every couple of months, especially if they’re old.
  • If you have a newer washing machine, remember to change its filter every month.
  • Have your house’s septic system pumped regularly (at least once every 5 years or so).
  • Regularly replace water filters.

3. Check your roof for problems

Examine your roof for damaged vents and shingles once a year, or after major storms. This inspection should be done entirely from the comfort of your yard. If you’re unable to fully examine your roof in this way, call in the professionals to do it for you. Refrain from climbing onto a ladder or doing any rooftop work yourself to avoid a fall.

If the surrounding trees have grown to overhang the roof, hire a professional to trim the branches. Lastly, don’t forget to schedule a yearly gutter and downspout cleaning and repair service.

Where can elderly citizens book reliable home maintenance services in Fort Collins, CO & the area?

Are you looking for dependable and versatile tradespeople who can keep your aging parents’ home in a great condition? Or perhaps you require other services such as painting, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, or general home repair?Here at Handyman Connection of Fort Collins, we can carry out all those tasks and more. As Fort Collins‘ premier team of home improvement and maintenance experts, we’re ideally equipped to provide you with a broad range of handyman services. Call us today.