D. R. Domenichini Construction Newsletter

 

ISSUE: FALL 2014

  

Seven Safety Concerns 

for the Aging 

 

In this day and age, an increasing number of seniors are making the decision to stay in their own homes as they age. Staying at home allows for greater independence but can also lead to a number of complications. There are a variety of home health care providers who can help deliver companionship and other services, but to be truly comfortable and safe in your home it may be necessary to make some physical alterations: 
  1. Widening Doors
    As mobility decreases the use of a walker or wheelchair may become necessary. In this case, all entrance doors must be at least 36 inches wide and all interior doors must be at least 32 inches wide. If your doors are not the proper width it will make it difficult and sometimes impossible to maneuver around.          
  2. Flooring                                                                       Many types of flooring become tripping hazards as mobility decreases. High pile carpet and slippery flooring can increase the risk of slips and falls and should be replaced with flooring that is easier & safer to walk on.          
  3. Raising Sunken Rooms                                                    As eyesight and mobility weaken it may become more difficult to differentiate between levels, which creates a dangerous tripping hazard. Maneuvering between levels with a wheelchair, cane, or walker can be extremely difficult as well, so it is best to raise the sunken room so all the floors are level.    
  4. Contrasting Flooring                                                        If mobility is not an issue, it is possible to simply change the flooring between the rooms to contrasting colors. If there is any change in height or flooring texture that could result in a slip or trip it is important that you change the flooring to contrasting colors so that it is easier to see the transition. 
  5. Grab Bars

    Another important addition for your home is grab bars. They can assist with balance and standing as well as provide assistance when sitting down. These are mostly found in bathrooms and kitchens but can also be placed around the house where needed if there is sufficient room. Though these can be installed by the homeowner, to insure they are secure and properly installed it is recommended that you get the help of a professional.

  6. Lighting                                                                             One of the most important changes to make as vision declines is increasing lighting. In some places, it may be possible to simply add lamps, but due to limited space it may be necessary to install additional overhead lighting

  7. Lowering Counters and Cabinets                                   If a wheelchair has become necessary, countertops may be difficult to reach and accessing cabinets and storage may be more problematic. If necessary, counters should be lowered to an appropriate height and the installation of under counter cabinets may be required.

    The Morgan Hill Home Instead Senior Care office is offering free home safety checks.  
    For more information, contact Brian Jackson: 
    408.722.9499, brian.jackson@homeinstead.com. 
    *This article was sourced from "Morgan Hill Today" Magazine for which Dave is an article contributor. For a direct link to this informative magazine, click here.

                                                   

 

CAR GUY CORNER

 

Car Guy Corner is not only about cars. Click the following link to see our amateur video clip of "Winnie".  

 

Our Trips with Winnie
Our Trips with Winnie
 
 
Video Corner 

Check out our latest time-lapse videos of two recent kitchen remodels in Sunnyvale and Morgan Hill. 

Kitchen Remodel: Sunnyvale


Kitchen Remodel: Morgan Hill


 


ABOUT D.R. DOMENICHINI CONSTRUCTION

 

Remodeling your home is a long-term investment. You want to choose a general contracting firm that will stand behind its work and materials for years to come.

 

At  D. R. Domenichini Construction, we transform homes, foster great relationships, and build clients for life.  

 

Call us today to discuss your next remodeling project!  

408-691-3283 

 

D. R. Domenichini Construction
P.O. Box 1430

San Martin, California 95046

www.drdcon.com 

 

 

 

Thank you for reading our newsletter! We want it to be useful and entertaining for you, so please pass along any feedback or suggestions on what you'd like to see in our upcoming issues to Lisa at: lisa@drdcon.com.  

 

 

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