5 Home Modifications for Seniors: Safety & Accessibility

Throughout the US, there’s a growing “trend” of aging in place. Even though assisted living communities offer enhanced levels of care, convenience, and comfort, more and more individuals are choosing to spend their golden years in their lifelong homes and familiar neighborhoods.

While this decision is more than understandable and beyond justified, the fact remains that this way of living comes with as many challenges as it does perks. Fortunately, with the assistance of Timnath, CO home repair services for seniors, said challenges can be easily surmounted

How can I make my home safe for an elderly person?

Safety is the primary concern when it comes to adapting a home for aging in place, so we’ll focus on these upgrades first.

Flooring modifications

Tripping and slipping are among the most common causes of in-home injuries, and old carpeting and throw rugs are usually the main culprits. In these instances, it’s highly advisable to:

  • Remove throw rugs altogether or, at least, fasten them down;
  • Replace old carpeting with new one or remove it altogether;
  • Replace ceramic tile flooring with either hardwood or vinyl counterparts.

Bonus tip: While not technically a “floor modification”, cables also fall into this category. Since cords can be a true health hazard, it pays to put some time and effort into their efficient management.

Kitchen modifications

Two more notable upgrades include:

  • Induction cooktops, which vastly reduce the risk of nasty burns;
  • Smoothening the edges of the furniture reduces the risk of bruising and lacerations.

Bathroom modifications

One of the most used and essential areas of the home can also be one of the most hazardous for the elderly, placing it at the top of the priority list. Several modifications that stand out here, due to the amount of safety and convenience they bring include:

  • Bathtub: Replacing a standard tub with a walk-in (side opening) variant eliminates the need for “bathroom gymnastics” every time you want to take a shower. Alternatively, you may consider transforming it all together into a “wet room” style shower, as it can add more convenience, especially in terms of maintenance.
  • Grab bars: This inexpensive upgrade is an excellent addition to every bathroom and you should have it installed near the bathtub/shower and toilet.

How can I make my home accessible for seniors?

With safety taken care of, it is time to focus our attention on making navigation more convenient. Additionally, accessibility modifications will further enhance safety, which is a massive plus.

Doorways & passageways widening

While it can benefit everyone, this modification is an absolute must-have for individuals who rely on mobility aids to navigate their homes. Aside from making it possible to go outdoors and indoors without help, thereby increasing levels of independence, widening doorways and hallways goes a long way toward preventing fall-related injuries.

Accessibility aids

Continuing on the topic of navigational challenges, several accessibility options can make life easier for the elderly.

  • Ramps are among the cheapest and easiest to install upgrades, which add a lot to the convenience and safety of the place;
  • Stairs, as the main nemesis of household movement, can be overcome with the addition of banister rails, stairlifts, or floor lifts.
  • Lighting is essential for safe navigation. Aside from ensuring your home is well-lit through the addition of more fixtures, you can go a step further and opt for motion-sensor lights to enhance the convenience even more;

Kitchen adaptations

When it comes to the kitchen, many modifications can make your life easier. However, the most notable one is adjusting the height of counters, sinks, and (potentially) cabinets. 

  • Lowering the height makes it easier for individuals in wheelchairs to navigate and operate. 
  • Increasing the height can make food preparation more relaxed, as it allows for a body to stay in its natural, upright position. 

Bathroom adaptations

Sitting down and standing up can be challenging for the elderly, which is why you should consider having a seat heightener/extender installed. As an alternative, you can opt to replace the toilet with the “comfort” variant, which is higher than the regular one and allows for greater levels of comfort and convenience.

Which Timnath, CO home repair services for seniors near me are proficient and dependable?

Handyman Connection of Fort Collins is your go-to provider of home repair and maintenance services for the elderly in Timnath and the surrounding regions. With a wealth of experience and a track record of excellence, we’re capable of adapting any home to be aging-in-place-friendly with the utmost reliability and efficiency. Reach out to us today and let us make those golden years truly golden!

3 Home Modifications for Seniors: Tips & Guidelines

As more and more seniors in the US are deciding to age in place, there’s been an increased need for solutions that would make this notion not only possible but viable. One of the best (and proven) ones comes in the form of home modifications.

Today, adapting a home to be aging-friendly is easier than ever. The wealth of assistive technologies, home modifications, and especially their combinations allows for the creation of a safe and comfortable environment.

The best thing about them is that with the assistance of home repair services for seniors Timnath, CO companies offer, each of these solutions can be tailored to the specific needs and preferences of the individual.

How do you adapt a home for the elderly?

The biggest roadblock individuals face when considering home modifications is not knowing where to start. This is understandable, considering that these types of adaptations aren’t exactly your “everyday” upgrades, as well as the sheer amount of possibilities available today. To make things easier, we’ll split them into three distinct categories, giving you a general overview of what they are and how big of an impact they can have on the elderly.

Safety modifications

It is an unfortunate fact that, as our loved ones age, their physical abilities wane. This makes them more susceptible to in-home accidents that can result in injuries ranging from minor abrasions and lacerations (in the best case) to death (in the most severe scenarios). For this reason, home adaptations that focus on enhancing safety should always be the #1 priority. 

  • Impact on the elderly QOL: Critical; Safety upgrades can prevent injuries and be literal life savers.
  • Ease of implementation: Easy-to-Hard; May range from effortless (e.g. removing throw rugs from the premises) to simple (e.g. grab bars and banister rails installation) to difficult (e.g. addition of bathroom).
  • Budget impact: Varying; Some home modifications are extremely cheap (e.g. grab bars) while others may be extremely expensive (e.g. home remodels or additions).

Accessibility modifications

Next on the priority list should be adaptations that aid individuals in navigating their homes and/or increase their level of independence. The majority of these upgrades also contribute to the safety levels, making them an excellent extension to the previous category.

  • Impact on the elderly QOL: Significant; Even the simplest upgrades, such as accessibility ramps can make navigating the premises easier and safer.
  • Ease of implementation: Easy-to-Hard; Some adaptations are easy to install (e.g. ramps, toilet seat heighteners) while others necessitate professional intervention (e.g. stairlifts).
  • Budget impact: Varying; Some modifications are super-cheap (e.g. toilet seat extenders) while others may take a significant amount (e.g. stairlifts, lowering/raising kitchen elements).

Convenience/comfort modifications

Last, but not least, is the category that might not be high on the priority list, but certainly must not be neglected. Typically, individuals who choose to age in place do so because they like familiar surroundings where they feel comfortable. 

Still, there’s no reason not to enhance those comfort levels further! With today’s technology, possibilities are virtually limitless and the best thing about them is that it doesn’t take much for a significant QOL improvement.

  • Impact on the elderly QOL: Varying; Some improvements (e.g. voice-controlled devices) mostly enhance convenience levels while others (e.g. medical alert systems) can mean the difference between life and death.
  • Ease of implementation: Easy-to-Medium; Some devices (e.g. Alexa, Google Home) are plug-and-play, while others (e.g. Hoyer lifts) just need assembling.
  • Budget impact: Low-to-Medium; While some devices may be pricey, they are still much cheaper than extensive home improvements.

Who offers reliable home repair services for seniors near me in Timnath, CO?

Handyman Connection of Forth Collins offers an array of home repair, maintenance, and modification services for elderly homeowners. Our technicians have extensive experience and training, making them capable of upgrading your home in a variety of ways that will make aging in place a safe and comfortable experience. Whether you’re near the Reservoir or anywhere else in the Timnath area, all you need to do is reach out to us to get started making your life better!

8 Ways Handyman Services Help the Elderly

As individuals enter their golden years, ensuring their homes are safe, comfortable, and accessible becomes imperative. However, with the exception of a few smaller changes, most of these improvements require the assistance of a professional.

Enter Timnath, CO home maintenance services for seniors – the most reliable and convenient way to transform a home into a safe haven for the elderly, ensuring their well-being and independence. But, how exactly can a handyman help? Let’s dive in and find out!

Where in Timnath, CO can I find reliable home maintenance services for seniors

What are the most common handyman services for the elderly?

The services of a reliable handyman are incredibly diverse, ranging from minor convenience adjustments to major safety modifications. However, some upgrades are more popular than others, due to the amount of safety, convenience, and independence they can bring into a person’s life.

Accessibility modifications

Considering how accessibility and safety are among the primary concerns for seniors, it’s no wonder that these upgrades are at the very top of our list. Services such as the installation of grab bars, railings, portable or fixed ramps, and stairlifts can make navigating the home much easier, significantly reducing the risks of accidents.

Bathroom safety upgrades

By far the most hazardous area of the house for the elderly, the bathroom typically demands the most extensive modifications. Here, handyman services can help by installing:

  • Grab bars;
  • Shower seats;
  • Walk-in tubs;
  • Motion-sensor faucets;
  • Anti-scald devices;
  • Anti-slip flooring.

Not only do these improvements help mitigate the slip-and-fall risks, but they also instill confidence in seniors intent to take care of themselves independently.

Electrical/Lighting improvements

Living in a well-lit home carries numerous psychophysical benefits for everyone. However, seniors can definitely gain the most out of the upgrades such as brighter light, additional fixtures and outlets, or smart lighting. In addition to improving visibility, these modifications also improve the overall appearance and sense of security of a home.

Door & window repairs/modifications

Faulty doors and windows are more than just an inconvenience, seeing how they force the elderly to exert more effort to operate them. Fortunately, a good handyman service can remedy these issues swiftly and with ease. By replacing problematic hinges, latches, and handles, trained pros enable seniors to maintain much better control over their environment.

Furniture assembly/installation

Seniors who are intent on aging-in-place often decide to downsize, replace their furniture with more maintenance-friendly variants, or install pieces that are more functional and accessible. Here, handyman services can be a godsend in a variety of ways, from installing roll-out shelving and furniture assembly to countertop height remodeling.

Home refreshment

Every home can benefit from a new coat of pain once in a while. While most of us decide to undertake this fun project DIY-style, the elderly often do not have that luxury, primarily due to health and safety concerns. However, they always have the option to entrust this task to skilled pros, who can ensure their homes are fresh and aesthetically pleasing.

Security enhancements

Home security is often high on the priority list, especially for senior citizens who live alone. To ensure their peace of mind, a lot of handyman companies in Timnath offer security improvement services. These typically include installing features such as peepholes and door/caretaker cameras but, also, reinforcement of doors and windows.

Minor repairs & maintenance

For seniors, even the smallest repair can present a big challenge. Fortunately, that’s why they have handyman services. Aside from taking care of regular maintenance of essential household systems (e.g. plumbing, electrical, HVAC), they can also prevent minor problems from escalating, as well as put measures in place to ensure they do not reoccur.

What are the most common handyman services for the elderly

Where in Timnath, CO can I find reliable home maintenance services for seniors?

Whether you live in Timnath or anywhere else in Larimer County, you can always trust Handyman Connection to deliver excellent and expeditious service. With ample training, years of experience, and state-of-the-art equipment, our technicians ensure reliable results in record time, with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Reach out to us today and discover how expert handyman services can improve your life!

5 House Maintenance Tips for Seniors: Making Life Easier

As you glide into your golden years, the need for a home that not only provides comfort but, also, safety and convenience becomes increasingly apparent. However, turning your home into a haven may present some unique challenges.

Are these obstacles insurmountable? Absolutely not! From simplifying your living space to having home maintenance services for seniors in Timnath, CO at your beck-and-call, there are many ways to make life easier as you age in place.

How can I make my home maintenance easier

How can I make my home maintenance easier?

While the ultimate goal is to turn housecare from a chore to a seamless part of your daily routine, safety should always be the primary objective, immediately followed by convenience. By putting these two factors at the forefront, you’ll inadvertently make your home more comfortable. A win-win situation, if there ever was one!

Simplify your space

Trips and falls are among the most common causes of in-home injuries suffered by seniors. In the vast majority of cases, they result in hospitalization and a lengthy recovery, but a lot of them also result in a fatality.

Fortunately, one of the best preventive measures for this is also the simplest: declutter and minimize. By eliminating excess stuff from your home, you’re creating a space that’s easier to navigate, thereby vastly reducing the risk of tripping and falling.

Regular inspections & maintenance

The benefits of having your home systems inspected every 3-6 months are manyfold and include:

  • Early issue detection: Catching the problem early stops it from escalating and can even prevent it from reoccurring in the future;
  • Cost-efficiency: Addressing minor issues in a timely manner is much more economical than dealing with major repairs or replacements;
  • Safety assurance: By making sure all home systems are operating properly, you’re vastly reducing the risk of accidents or hazards;
  • Improved energy efficiency: Well-maintained home systems and appliances perform better, potentially reducing your energy bills;
  • Peace of mind: Knowing your home is well-cared for guarantees a greater sense of security, thereby ensuring a more relaxed and comfortable living environment.

Annual inspections & maintenance

While regular inspections deal with day-to-day issues in your home, annual ones focus on the most critical home components, such as HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems. They are much more comprehensive, aiming to address and prevent major issues that can have profound effects on your quality of life. The benefits of annual inspections are mostly the same as with regular ones, only on a much grander scale.

Consider home modifications

With today’s technology, the ways to enhance the safety and comfort of your home are virtually endless. Bear in mind that these adjustments need not be major overhauls, such as renovating the entire bathroom or remodeling the kitchen from scratch.

Minor modifications can have a major positive impact on your quality of life. Things like grab rails in the bathroom, pull-out shelves in the kitchen, and smart lighting can be real game changers, that make your space more accommodating without breaking your bank.

Always have a handyman handy

Having a reliable professional on-call adds another level of security and convenience to your life in several ways. First, they can address your home adjustment, maintenance, and repair needs in a timely, efficient, and affordable manner. And, second, they can give you invaluable advice on how to further enhance the safety and comfort of your living space, thereby improving your overall quality of life.

Who provides expert home maintenance services for seniors near me in Timnath, CO

Who provides expert home maintenance services for seniors near me in Timnath, CO?

Handyman Connection of Forth Collins is among the most trusted providers of home maintenance and repair services on either side of the Poudre River. For years, we’ve been delivering safety and convenience to senior citizens throughout the Timnath region, enhancing their quality of life and ensuring their peace of mind. Today, we’re here to do the same for you. Contact us today and let us help you make your golden years truly golden!

5 Latest Carpentry Trends

Woodworking has been around since the dawn of human civilization, enhancing virtually every sphere of our lives – then, as it does now. Like our civilization, this noble craft evolved through time and continues to do so, now more rapidly than ever.

Today, woodworking and carpentry develop new trends almost on a yearly basis, each more ingenious than the previous. That’s why, today, we’re bringing you a list of X amazing trends carpenter services in Fort Collins employ to improve the aesthetic appeal and functionality of your home but, also, ease a burden on your budget.

What is the latest trend in woodworking

What is the latest trend in woodworking? 

In recent years, we’ve seen dramatic shifts in styles, mainly as a reflection of no-less drastic shifts in the economy and our way of thinking. The current period is no different, with woodworking trends changing to accommodate our new needs.

Quality over quantity

Over the past couple of years, the demand for bespoke furniture has skyrocketed. Households throughout the US are shunning mass-produced, fast-fashion, copy-paste furnishings in droves, and turning their gaze toward custom-made pieces.

No wonder there, really. Tailored furniture, whether it be a single cabinet or a whole kitchen, is not only guaranteed to fit into your unique home aesthetics – it is also of much higher quality that is certain to last for the foreseeable future, maybe even a lifetime!

The rise of the machines

Tying into the previous point, one of the reasons why custom-made furniture is becoming more popular is due to it growing ever more affordable. For this, we can thank the rapid technological development, that made CNC machining and 3D Printing widely accessible to craftsmen.

These technologies drastically cut the time necessary to produce a piece of furniture and, simultaneously, unlocked the potential for customization that was unthinkable or impossible to achieve using traditional woodworking methods.

High-fiving Mother Nature

As people become more and more environmentally aware, they are starting to look for more sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives to conventional products. Needless to say, current woodworking trends are following suit.

Today, many businesses are, slowly but steadily, shifting their focus and methodologies toward greener solutions. Things like certified sustainable lumber and eco-friendly paints are already widely in use, with renewable and recyclable materials becoming ever more popular.

Embracing the warmth

A warm, natural look never went out of style. It was only pushed aside (for a good while) in favor of modern, streamlined furniture that featured a cooler color palette that complemented minimalistic home designs (which are trendy even now).

With our lives getting progressively faster, as well as working from home becoming more prevalent, the need for coziness and warmth in our households is turning into imperative. This is why warm woods and earthy tones are slowly, but surely, making a grand re-entrance. 

Edgy: out, curvy: in

Speaking of coziness, we cannot fail to mention another rising trend in household-focused woodworking: curvy furnishings. While sharp-edged modernistic designs definitely have their pros, they do little to make the space homey.

Enter curvy furniture. Not only does this style soften the space, but it can also complement angular designs if placed properly. This creates a contrast that breaks the monotony of sharp edges, creating visual interest and making the surroundings more aesthetically pleasing.

carpenter services fort collins

Where can I find excellent carpenter services near me in Fort Collins?

For years, Handyman Connection has been delivering an array of expertise-based carpentry services to residents of Fort Collins and surrounding areas. With a keen eye for detail, a knack for perfection, and ample experience, our adept woodworkers excel in their field.

Whether you need a new door installed in your home near Avery House or a complete cabinetry replacement in your downtown apartment, our skilled artisans are here to enhance your quality of life. Reach out today!

Distinguishing Good Carpenters From Bad Ones

Whether it’s building a solid framework for a new building, replacing doors and windows, or adding intricate finishing touches, the carpentry services Fort Collins specialists provide are integral and essential parts of virtually every home improvement project.

Like with any type of undertaking that involves craftsmanship, as well as significant time and money investment on your part, the expertise of the artisan will be the key factor that determines the quality of the finished product and overall project success.

Therefore, the logical question here is: how can you determine if a carpenter is good or bad? Are there any defining factors that you should look for in a craftsman to ensure you’re getting the best workmanship for your project? Let’s find out!

What is the difference between a good carpenter and a bad carpenter

What is the difference between a good carpenter and a bad carpenter?

If we were to be poetical (and vague), we could say that a good carpenter will take your dreams and turn them into beautiful pieces that will adorn your home and bring you joy. A bad one, on the other hand, will take those same dreams and turn them into a waking nightmare, as poor workmanship typically results in ongoing and cascading issues. But, let’s translate that into tangible traits.

The hallmark of a good carpenter: Unwavering attention to detail

Good carpenters take immense pride in their work and are willing to go the extra mile to ensure every cut, nail, joint, and finish is near-surgically precise. They understand that the devil is in the details and that even a minor one can make or break the project. That’s why they’ll measure thrice, cut once, and ensure end result is a true reflection of your vision.

Bad carpenters will often take the path of least resistance, rushing through the project just for the sake of finishing it. Needless to say, this approach will often lead to visible imperfections and shoddy workmanship quality – and that’s the best-case scenario.

The must-haves: experience & skill

A good carpenter would have honed their craft through years of practice and a diverse range of projects. As a result, they become well-versed in different woodworking techniques, enabling them to undertake even the most complex projects with great confidence.

A bad carpenter typically lacks the confidence and skills that only come with experience. This not only renders them more likely to make costly mistakes, but also drives them to rely on trial and error which only leads to sub-par results.

An innate superpower: Adaptability

Carpentry work is known to throw unforeseen challenges at artisans. However, a good carpenter will not falter. They will rise up to the occasion, adapt to the newly developed circumstances, and devise a creative solution that will be beneficial to all parties involved.

In contrast, a bad craftsman will often get frustrated or even start to panic when things don’t go exactly as planned. This can cause them to make rash decisions, employ half-solutions, or, in the worst case, ignore the problem altogether, which only leads to more issues that require costly solutions.

The foundation of excellence: Effective communication

When you’re intent on home improvement, you want the result to reflect your vision. A good carpenter makes that possible by:

  • Listening to your ideas;
  • Providing insight and explanations;
  • Addressing your concerns;
  • Guiding you through every step of the process.

Bad carpenters often fail in the communication department by being:

  • Indifferent or disinterested in your ideas;
  • Unresponsive or uncooperative;
  • Offering sparse or incomplete information;
  • Unwilling to accommodate your requests.

How would you know if a carpenter is a very skilled one?

Based on the previous traits, we can easily extrapolate the criteria a carpenter should meet to be considered “good” and, more importantly, a true professional:

  • A well-documented portfolio of completed projects, showcasing a variety of their previous work;
  • Stellar reviews and testimonials from satisfied clients and reliable referrals willing to vouch for their workmanship quality;
  • Proof of formal training, including certificates (e.g. OSHA-30, CLC by NARI, etc.) recognized apprenticeships, and membership in industry-approved organizations;
  • Complete transparency, not only in pricing but, also, in project expectations, estimations, and timelines.
carpentry services Fort Collins

Who offers professional carpentry services near me in Fort Collins?

Handyman Connection of Fort Collins is a trusted provider of top-quality carpentry services in the region, recognized as the leader in the field due to our expertise, reliability, and client-centric approach that leaves no one indifferent.

Whether you wish to find out more about woodworking services, need inventive solutions for your home improvement needs, or want the latest and greatest carpentry trends incorporated into your residence in Downtown FC, be sure to reach out to us!