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VETERANS DAY • NOVEMBER 11TH
Once referred to as Armistice Day, Veterans Day is a time to recognize all the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces during wartime and peacetime. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, there are over 21.8 million veterans in the United States, many of whom served in wars, like the Korean Conflict, and the Persian Gulf War. On November 11th, pay tribute to our veterans and thank them for the sacrifice they have made to preserve our freedom and protect our country.
VETERAN’S BRANCH OF SERVICE
Warning signs a bathroom needs work
Homeowners know that the work involved to maintain a home is never done The end of one project has a tendency to roll into the planning of another, and so it goes for years on end
Fortunate are the homeowners who get to choose when to begin a renovation project, but it’s far more common that homeowners spot an issue and then realize it’s time to renovate When it comes to bathrooms, which can be among the more expensive spaces to renovate in a home, homeowners can keep an eye out for various signs suggesting the room needs a remodel
• Mold and mildew: Mold and mildew is perhaps the most glaring sign a bathroom needs to be renovated or remodeled Mold and mildew pose a notable threat to human health, as the United States Environmental Protection Agency repor ts that molds can cause allerg ic reactions Individuals sensitive to mold may develop symptoms that mimic reactions to outdoor allergens like pollen, including sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and dermatitis (skin rash) Mold also can trigger asthma attacks in people allergic to mold who have the condition Mold can grow in poorly ventilated bathrooms, such as those without a fan or ones in which fans are not working properly Mold and mildew will return if it’s merely scrubbed away, so the underlying cause of mold must be addressed to prevent its return
• Small signs of fading: Stains, peeling paint, cracked paint, and gaps in grout are small signs of fading that indicate a bathroom is in need of renovation if not a complete remodel These issues also can serve as warning signs of larger issues, such as water issues and structural problems, so they should not be merely written off as minor problems or eyesores
• Rising water bills: Some signs a bathroom could use a little TLC are not necessarily confined to the room itself. If water bills are rising significantly and do not align with price increases or an uptick in water consumption, homeowners may have leaking pipes Such pipes might be beneath a bathroom sink or behind tiled walls Discoloration on the walls, peeling paint or wallpaper and/or a musty odor may indicate leaks inside a bathroom wall If coupled with rising water bills, these signs could be indicative of a significant issue that requires immediate attention
• Issues with tiles: Cracked or damaged tiles in the shower and bathtub or even on the floor are unsightly and also pose a safety hazard Cracked floor tiles can lead to slips and falls, which can be especially harmful to older residents And cracked tiles within the shower and tub area can indicate water problems behind the walls or general disrepair Such issues should be addressed before they escalate into something larger
• A dated vibe: Of course, some issues affecting a bathroom are not necessarily health or safety hazards but more an affront to homeowners’ grasp of current styles and trends If walking into a bathroom unintentionally feels like stepping backward into a bygone era, then it’s probably time to consider a renovation or remodeling job
Various signs can indicate to homeowners it’s time to consider a bathroom renovation
Leaking Fixtures
Water Heaters
Drain Cleaning
Water Softeners • Water Conditioners • Garbage Disposals
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Sewer Connection • Water Service • Site Work
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Home is where the hear t is That sentiment may be especially true for seniors who have spent decades living in their homes A lot of hard work goes into home ownership, and seniors who have lived in the same space for a while undoubtedly have countless memories within the walls of their homes
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diminished mobility as they age Mobility issues can make it hard for seniors to traverse their homes, but ag ing homeowners can make various renovations to make a home more accessible
• Revamp entryways and staircases A 2020 study of 1,000 adults in the United Kingdom found that 28 percent of individuals age 65 and older who don’t exercise regularly struggle with activities like walking up stairs The study, commissioned by Total Fitness, also found that 14 percent of men and women over 65 who regularly engage in moderate exercise still find it challeng ing to climb up and down a flight of stairs Seniors facing similar challenges can install a ramp at their home’s entryway so they can comfor tably go in and out Inside, a chair lift can ensure seniors are not struggling to move from one floor to another
• Raise the outlets throughout the home. They’re easily overlooked, but outlets, par ticularly those outside the kitchen, tend to be close to the floor A AR P notes that’s no accident, as outlets are generally placed at a height equal to the leng th of a hammer to save time with measuring when buildings are being constructed Outlets close to
the floor can be difficult for seniors with mobility issues to reach Relocating the outlets a little higher off the floor is not an expensive renovation, but it can
seniors who have difficulty bending down or getting down on one knee
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easier for seniors with ar thritis to open the doors in their homes Such extensions are roughly five-inch levers that can be installed over an existing door knob, making it easier to g rab and pull down Extensions save seniors the hassle of turning the knob, which some may find painful and almost impossible
• Renovate the bathroom Bathroom renovation projects can be costly, but seniors with mobility issues should know that bathrooms can pose a
Disease Control and Prevention notes that roughly three million older adults
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Joan and her family moved from Quincy to Kalamazoo when she was young and lived in the Kalamazoo/Otsego area for most of her adult life Joan was preceded in death by her husband, James; and a son, Dan Surviving are her three daughters: Debra, Linda and
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