As we age, our needs change. Ensuring a secure and comfortable home for elderly family members is vital in providing them with the best quality of life. Here are some tips to help make a home safe for seniors.
Install Grab Bars in the Bathroom
Grab bars in the bathroom can provide extra stability when getting in and out of the tub or shower. Install grab bars near bathtubs, showers, and toilets, on the walls around these areas. Proper placement allows an elderly family member to navigate the bathroom safely without assistance.
Remove Throw Rugs to Make a Home Safe for Seniors
Removing throw rugs is one way to ensure the safety of your elderly loved ones. Throw rugs are particularly hazardous for seniors because they are a tripping hazard. Older family members who use a cane, walker, or wheelchair may have difficulty navigating over rugs.
Declutter Walkways
Remove any items from walkways that could cause falls, including cords, clutter, and boxes. Make sure walkways have adequate lighting so family members can see where they’re going at night. Avoid using extension cords in the home; they are tripping hazards and could lead to accidents and injuries.
Make a Home Safe for Seniors: Store Things Within Reach
To make a home safer for seniors, make sure essential items are readily available. When cookware, clothing, and personal care items are within reach, elderly family members can live more comfortably and independently in their homes.
Place frequently used items at an easy-to-access height: waist or arm level. Inspect the house, checking the location of everyday objects like telephones, remote controls, cooking ingredients, and bath towels. Make sure items are accessible to older family members.
Arrange the Furniture to Make a Home Safe for Elderly Family Members
Arrange furniture in a way that provides plenty of space to navigate the room. Keep pathways clear of furniture items to allow easy passage from one room to another. Be aware of obstacles to mobility aids. If your family member uses a walker or wheelchair, verify there is enough room to move throughout the house safely.
Move the laundry machines to the home’s main level if they are not already. The appliances will be easier to access, and an aging family member won’t have to navigate the stairs to the basement.
Make Stairways Safer
If possible, install a stair lift or elevator to make climbing stairs easier for seniors who may have difficulty doing so independently. Make sure the stairs are well-lit with secure handrails. Handrails offer support for anyone using the stairs.
Making your home safer for elderly family members goes a long way toward making them feel comfortable living there. Installing grab bars, removing tripping hazards, and making stairways safer are all great ways to start making your home more senior-friendly. With a few simple changes, you can feel peace of mind knowing your loved one is safe and secure.
Legacy Property Inspections provides home inspections to customers in Southeast Georgia. Contact us to schedule our services.