Welcome to Kerrisdale. You live in a beautiful part of Vancouver. You want to stay in your home. This is aging-in-place. It means staying independent. It means staying safe. Your home needs changes as you age. Start with these steps.
Evaluate the Bathroom First
The bathroom is the most dangerous room. Water creates slip hazards. Hard surfaces cause injuries. You must modify this space today.
Install Grab Bars
Grab bars provide stability. Put them in the shower. Put them by the toilet. Buy bars made of stainless steel. Ensure they have a textured grip. Find the wall studs. Use a stud finder. Mark the spot. Drill into the wood. Secure the bar with long screws. Do not use towel racks. Towel racks are for towels. They pull out of the wall. Grab bars hold weight.
Upgrade the Shower
Remove the tub if possible. Install a walk-in shower. Add a shower chair. Use a handheld showerhead. This allows you to sit while washing. It reduces the risk of falling. Apply non-slip stickers to the floor. Use a matte finish on tiles. Avoid polished stone.
Improve Your Lighting
Darkness leads to falls. Your eyes need more light as you age. Walk through your home at night. Identify dark corners.
Add Path Lights
Place nightlights in the hallway. Use motion sensors. The lights turn on when you walk. Place them between the bedroom and bathroom. Plug them into outlets near the floor.
Brighten Work Areas
Add lights under kitchen cabinets. This helps you see when cutting food. Replace old bulbs. Use LED bulbs. They last longer. They are brighter. Install a light in every closet. Put a switch at the top of the stairs. Put a switch at the bottom of the stairs. This is a two-way switch. It prevents walking in the dark.
Remove All Trip Hazards
Look at your floors. Your feet may not lift as high as before. Small obstacles become big problems.
Clear the Floor
Pick up everything. Remove throw rugs. Rugs slide. Rugs bunch up. You will trip on them. If you keep a rug, use double-sided tape. Secure the edges to the floor. Move electrical cords. Do not run cords across walkways. Pin them to the baseboards. Use cable clips.
Organize Furniture
Create wide paths. You need 36 inches for a walker. You need more for a wheelchair. Move the coffee table. Remove small stools. Keep the path to the door clear. Secure tall bookshelves to the wall. They must not tip over if you grab them.
Address the Kitchen
The kitchen requires reach. It requires grip. Make it easier to use.
Modify Storage
Move heavy items to the counter. Do not store flour on high shelves. Do not store pots on the floor. Keep daily items between waist and eye level. Install pull-out shelves in lower cabinets. This prevents kneeling. You pull the shelf to you.
Update Hardware
Replace round knobs. Knobs are hard to turn. Use D-shaped handles. Use lever-style faucets. You push the lever to start the water. You do not twist. This helps with arthritis.
Check the Entrances
Getting into your home should be easy. Stairs are the main barrier in Kerrisdale homes.
Add Handrails
Check your front steps. Install handrails on both sides. Ensure the rails extend past the last step. Grip the rail before you move your feet. Check the back deck too. Handrails must be sturdy. They must not wiggle.
Simplify the Door
Install a smart doorbell. See who is at the door from your phone. You do not have to rush to the entrance. Replace the door handle with a lever. Use a keyless entry pad. You do not have to fumble with keys.
Use Kerrisdale Resources
Kerrisdale is a great place for seniors. You are not alone.
Kerrisdale Seniors Centre
Visit the centre at 5851 West Boulevard. Call them at (604) 257-8109. They offer exercise classes. They serve hot lunches. Socializing keeps your mind sharp. It prevents isolation.
Better at Home Program
This program helps Kerrisdale residents. They assist with light housekeeping. They help with grocery shopping. They do minor home repairs. Use these services to maintain your independence.
Hire Professional Help
Some jobs are too big for a DIY approach. Safety is the priority.
Randall The Handyman
We serve Kerrisdale, UBC, and the Westside. We know these homes. We install grab bars. We fix lighting. We remove trip hazards. We make your home safe.
Our pricing is simple. You pay $120 for the first hour. You pay $85 for each additional hour. We bring the tools. We do the work. We are licensed. We are insured. We are WorkSafeBC compliant.
Our Service Areas
We work across Greater Vancouver. We help homeowners in:
- Kerrisdale
- West End
- Yaletown
- East Vancouver
- South Vancouver
- Richmond
- Burnaby
- North Vancouver
Start Your Checklist
Do not wait for a fall. Do not wait for an injury.
- Walk through your bathroom.
- Count your light bulbs.
- Pull up your rugs.
- Check your handrails.
- Call a professional.
Make one change today. Install one grab bar. Change one light bulb. Then do the next task. Your home is your sanctuary. Keep it safe.
Stay in the neighborhood you love. Stay in Kerrisdale.
Contact Randall The Handyman now. Schedule your safety assessment. Let us help you age-in-place. Start your home safety journey today.
