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to move a loved one to your home requires much more than simply making the move; it is important to evaluate what safety changes will be needed along with costs for renovation and potential in-home care. This list can help you decide on necessary changes, create an investment timeline, or possibly that you may need to choose another option for care. Many of these suggestions will not be necessary in your home. Not all require a contractor but rather a trip to your local DIY store and a bit of sweat equity. External & EntrancesLimited mobility entrances %u2013 Decks, patios, porches, and approaches to doorways should be wide enough to allow a walker, mobility scooter, or wheelchair to pass easily. Stairs may need to be replaced in favor of gently sloping ramps with handrails or guardrails. These areas should also be a non-slip surface and covered if possible. Door thresholds should not have a sudden lip or drop in height that could cause stumbling or be difficult for a wheelchair to cross. Repair any missing, broken, or rotten deck or steps, or seals.External lighting %u2013 Be sure entry lights are working. Technology to light pathways and entryways prior to exiting or entering is helpful. Internal Doors & WindowsDoorways %u2013 All doorways should be wide enough to comfortably admit a walker, mobility scooter, or wheelchair to pass through and thresholds should be flush or gently beveled for easy transition between rooms. ADA recommends a minimum doorway width of 36 inches. Door hardware %u2013 Replace knobs/handles with lever-type handles. These require less grip, which is good for those with arthritis or grip issues. Window locks %u2013 Window locks should be updated for safety and ease of use.FloorsNon-slip surfaces %u2013 Some flooring surfaces are slicker than others. Consider flooring that is less likely to be slippery such as lightly textured carpet or add anti-slip paint to hard surfaces.Throw rugs %u2013 The edges of throw rugs can easily cause trips and falls and should be removed. Clear walking paths %u2013 Keep floor space clear as much as possible. Wider paths for moving throughout the home accommodate walkers, mobility scooters, and wheelchairs while also helping to prevent falls.Internal LightingGuide lighting %u2013 Lighting designed to activate in case of a loss of power should be available in all rooms.Hallway lighting %u2013 Hallways should have nighttime guide lighting for safety of movement. Lighting controls %u2013 Lighting controls should be easily accessible from a seated position height and/or with technology.BathroomTub and shower %u2013 Make sure your tub/shower is accessible. This may mean a roll-in shower or a walk-in tub and shower combination that reduces the need to step up and over the side of a bathtub.Handrails %u2013 Should be installed near toilets and tub/shower entrances.Non-slip flooring %u2013 Should be installed for wet areas. This can mean non-slip mats or painting hard bathroom surfaces with non-slip paint.DECIDINGThe Village ofA Mission of Presbyterian Villages of MichiganA SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITYMill CreekEmbrace The Possibilities300 Carl Ave, Battle Creek, MI 49037PH: 269-962-0605FX: 269-965-2285 %u2022 TTY: 800-649-3777www.pvm.orgVeterans Preference for qualified applicants.Call today for details.Battle Creek105 Capital Ave NE, 49017269-962-5527Richland9170 East D Ave, 49083269-629-6022Augusta307 N Webster St, 49012269-731-4212Complete funeral, cremation, pre-arrangement and/or pre-payment services. 111 N. Jefferson St, Suite 1Marshall, MI 49068269-781-0952www.fountainclinic.org%u201cPatients In Need, A Community That Cares.%u201dWE PARTICIPATE WITH MOST INSURANCESDon't Miss Those Precious WhispersEXPERIENCE: Combined 50 Years In The Hearing IndustryPROFESSIONALISM: We Offer Comprehensive Audiologic & Hearing Aid ServicesNEW TECHNOLOGY: Our Audiologists Are Experts In The Latest Digital Hearing AidsSERVICE & FOLLOW-UP: We Offer A 30 Day Trial & Offer Up To 3 Years Warranty On All Instrumentsbattlecreekhearingaids.com269-979-64553566 Capital Ave SW %u2022 Battle Creek(One Mile South Of 1-94)269-953-1120300 Meadow Run Drive Suite 3 %u2022 Hastings, MIFollow us on FacebookOur Friendly Knowledgeable Staff Will Help You Make An Informed Decision On Your Hearing Care Needs!Certified Audiologists:%u2022 Paja Dickenson, MA, CCC-A%u2022 Hanna Klingaman, Au.D, CCC-ASPECIALISTS IN HEARING CAREPreparing to Move a Loved One to Your HomeSENIOR HOUSING DIRECTORY | 202628