As people get older, they tend to stay in their homes. It’s still comfortable, and it’s home for them, but as their mobility and response times decline, minor safety hazards can become more significant. Having the proper home safety measures can help make your place of residence more secure for you and your loved ones.
Falls, fires, and other situations that require quick reflexes and movement can be frightening for older adults. However, there are some precautions that can help prevent these types of issues from happening in the first place. These include having the proper equipment and surfaces, as well as having the ability to call for help whenever needed. Before you start implementing these measures, it’s important that you and your family members complete a home safety assessment.
Decrease the Chances of Falling
Although falls can happen in any home, they are more likely to occur in the homes of older adults who are more vulnerable to injuries and fractures. The first step in making sure that your home is secure for your loved ones is identifying the areas where slips and falls can occur.
One of the most common reasons why falls can occur in your home is the presence of throw rugs. Although they’re attractive, they can be very unstable and can lead to a fall if one of your toes gets caught under the edge. Having the proper accessories and surfaces can also help prevent these types of issues from happening in the first place. Some of the most important steps that you can take to improve the safety of your loved ones are installing no-slip strips and adding safety steps with tread.
Take a Second Look at Bathrooms and Kitchens
Both kitchens and bathrooms have hard surfaces and water, which can make them very dangerous. Having the proper non-slip surfaces in your bathrooms and showers can help keep the floors from getting wet. You can also make your bathrooms and showers safer by adding grab bars and installing no-slip strips on the walls.
Another issue that can affect the safety of your loved ones is the presence of storage and cabinets that run to the ceiling. If these are not in a position to be accessed easily, they can pose some danger. Having pullout shelves in the lower cabinets can also help make cooking and cleanup much easier.
Make the Stairs Safer
Having a well-designed and well-lit staircase can help keep older adults safe as they can easily access the upstairs and downstairs of your home. Having a sturdy railing and well-tacked-down carpet can also help prevent falls. If you have a stair lift that needs to be added, make sure that it has good visibility.
It’s important to consider the safety of your loved ones when it comes to aging at home instead of in an assisted living facility. Having the proper equipment and procedures can help keep older adults in their own homes as long as they’re still comfortable. Doing minor renovations can also help keep them safe.