As we age, our living spaces should be designed to help keep us safe and healthy. This is especially important for seniors, who may find themselves at greater risk of slips, trips, and falls due to declining strength or mobility. If you’re a homeowner with an elderly family member in your house—or looking to make your home safer for enjoying your retirement years—you’ll want to take a few precautions that can ensure safety. Here are six tips to create a safe home for seniors.
1. Create a Safe Home for Seniors: Install Non-slip Mats in Your Bathroom
Falls are one of the biggest dangers to seniors, particularly if they live alone, and the bathroom is one of the rooms where falls are more common. Slippery surfaces can be a significant hazard, so try to place rugs or rubber mats on the floor of your shower/bathroom area and near the sink. This will help you avoid falls and reduce the risk of serious injuries.
2. Install a Handrail in Your Stairways
Stairs can be dangerous for seniors, so it’s essential to make sure that your staircases are equipped with a handrail. If you don’t have one installed, consider having a professional install a sturdy rail that goes all the way down the stairs and is firmly attached to the wall. This will give you something to grab onto if you ever stumble while descending or ascending the stairs.
3. Create a Safe Home for Seniors: Keep Your Home Clutter-free
Many seniors find that their homes become cluttered over time, which can increase the risk of falls and other accidents in the home. Make sure to keep your home organized and clutter-free. Place items where you can easily reach them, or store them away in shelves or drawers. Clean up any spills as soon as possible to prevent slips and falls.
4. Change Your Lightbulbs
As we age, our vision starts to decline. Use bright LED bulbs or fluorescent lighting so your home is well-lit throughout. This can help you avoid tripping over objects and having accidents due to poor visibility.
5. Create a Safe Home for Seniors: Install Safety Handles and Grab Bars
Installing safety handles near the toilet, bathtub, and other areas of the house can help seniors stay on their feet. Grab bars are also critical for helping you safely get in and out of the tub or shower. If you don’t already have them installed, consider having professionals install grab bars that are securely attached to a wall stud.
6. Wear Comfortable Shoes Around the House
Lastly, always wear comfortable shoes around the house. Slippers or walking shoes with good grip can help you avoid slips and falls. Make sure your footwear is in good condition and fits properly so that you won’t be prone to accidents due to ill-fitting shoes.
Following these six tips can make your home safer for seniors and help prevent accidents. Keep them in mind to ensure that your elderly family members can safely enjoy their golden years.
Coastline Home Inspection provides inspection to homebuyers and sellers in the Hampton Roads area. Contact us to schedule our services.