Vaughan Home Repairs: How to Create a Safe and Senior-Friendly Living Room

If you or your aging parent wants to maintain an independent lifestyle, it’s important to create a safe, senior-friendly living room. Seniors spend the majority of their time in their living room, relaxing or entertaining friends. The pros at the Handyman Connection can team up with you or your aging loved one to provide home repairs for seniors that keep your property safe and comfortable.

Choose Senior-Friendly Electronics

The living room is a central hub for most families’ electronics. Many of these electronics may make life more convenient and make it easier to stay connected to the outside world of family and friends. Seniors may struggle with operating different systems and devices, so the first priority is to find senior-friendly options.

We recommend picking devices and electronics that seniors can operate easily, such as televisions with closed captioning and large text, voice control remotes, smart lighting and security systems that help seniors stay safe. Additionally, the living room should be free of loose power cords and other electrical components that could be a tripping hazard.

Install a Safe, Comfortable Floor

Seniors are at the most risk of a fall, so your next focus should be on creating a safe floor that doesn’t impede mobility. First, choose new flooring that isn’t slippery or difficult to walk on. Avoid some types of tile, laminate or vinyl floors. For carpet, choose one that doesn’t have a high pile that is easier to navigate and maintain.

If you have hard flooring, make sure it’s a durable material that is easy to take care of and clean. Avoid putting area rugs on your living room floor. This could create a fall hazard and make it more difficult to get around.

Expand Your Room’s Layout

Another way you can make your living room safer and more convenient for seniors is to expand the space. If it’s possible, you can make the layout of the room larger and more open. This can be helpful for seniors who need to use wheelchairs, walkers or other mobility devices.

Handyman Connection can provide ways to open the space, such as knocking down walls or widening hallways or combining two small rooms into one larger space. Then, pick a furniture layout that makes the area convenient for navigation. Keep the living room free of clutter and knick-knacks to make it safer.

Add Railings or Grab Bars

Depending on your or your family’s needs, it may also be beneficial to install railings or grab bars throughout the living room to improve mobility. The living room may be easier to navigate if you get your contractor to install a transfer bar near the seating area. This could help someone get in and out of a chair.

Railings may be helpful if they are installed in the hallway or en route to the bathroom. Handyman Connection offers repair services in Vaughan, including installing railing and grab bar features. These enhancements may make it less likely that you or your loved one have an accident or a fall at home.

Access Home Repairs for Seniors

Having a reputable contractor to take care of your senior home repair is key to maintaining your home and independent lifestyle as you age. If you are helping to care for your senior parents, choosing a contractor that you can trust is key. Handyman Connection provides quality work to make your living room adapt to your needs as you or your parents grow older.

If it’s time to make home renovations to improve the accessibility of your property, contact Handyman Connection. We also offer home maintenance services for homeowners, including seniors that need some extra assistance in keeping their homes safe and secure as they age.