As your parents get older and continue to live in their home, you might want to ensure that their home is as safe as possible. Elderly people can often suffer injuries in falls that result in a need to relocate to a retirement or nursing home. There are all sorts of small projects that can help your parents continue to live independently, but you might not feel confident tackling them on your own. Instead, you can find a local handyman service and discuss a list of things you want to be done. There's a good chance that the service will be able to check everything off your list, including completing these projects.

Grab Bars

Grab bars are simple devices that can help to provide stability for anyone who is elderly. It's common to install grab bars in several areas of the bathroom. For example, you'll want your handyman service to mount a few of these bars in the tub/shower, as well as have at least one grab bar mounted next to the toilet. In some bathrooms, you'll even see a grab bar or two on the wall to provide stability during tasks such as undressing. You can buy any grab bars you need at a retailer that specializes in senior-related devices for the home, and your handyman can install them.

Raised Toilet Seat

A raised toilet seat is a device that makes it easier for people to get on and off the toilet. The height of this device means that your parents won't have to bend down as far to use the toilet, which can not only prevent the discomfort that may come with bending, but also decrease the risk of a fall. You can buy raised toilet seats for each of the toilets in the home, and your handyman can easily install them.

Ramp

Another project to discuss with your handyman service is the construction of a wooden ramp outside of your parents' home. A ramp offers a safe way to get in and out of the residence, rather than using the stairs. Should a parent need to use a walker or cane, perhaps after a surgical procedure, they'll find that it's easier to navigate the ramp safely with either of these assistive devices. Depending on the home, you may even want to have the handyman install a second ramp at the rear of the residence. Contact a local handyman service to discuss these projects for your elderly parents.