Image by CDC on Unsplash
5 Ways for Making Your Home Safe for Aging in Place.
Many people want to live in their own homes for as long as possible. However, our homes can become more challenging to navigate as we grow older. Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries for seniors. There are many ways to make your home safe for aging in place. Some simple changes can make a big difference in preventing falls.
Making your home safe for aging in place doesn’t have to be difficult. There are five simple things you can do right now to make your home more accessible and safer for seniors. Check out these tips below!
Install grab bars in the shower and around the house
One of the best ways to make your home safe for aging in place is to install grab bars in strategic locations. This will give seniors something to hold onto while they are showering or moving around the house. Grab bars provide stability and can help prevent falls.
Grab bars are also relatively inexpensive and easy to install. They’re a great way to make your home safe for aging in place without breaking the bank.
Upgrade your shower or bathtub
If you have an older shower or bathtub, it might be time to upgrade to a walk-in shower or a soaking tub. These types of showers and tubs are much easier to get in and out of, and they provide a safer environment for seniors.
Walk-in tubs also have a lot of great features, like hydrotherapy jets and built-in seats, that can make the bathing experience more enjoyable. Although these tubs might be expensive to invest in, they’re a worthwhile investment if you want to make your home safe for aging in place.
Install non-slip flooring
Another way to make your home safe for aging is by installing non-slip flooring. This is especially important in the bathroom and kitchen, where slippery surfaces can be a safety hazard. Non-slip flooring provides traction and can help prevent falls.
Another thing you can do is secure your rugs or furniture, so they don’t slide around. Rugs can become tripping hazards if they’re not secured to the floor. Lastly, keep clutter in the home to a minimum. Clutter can be a trip hazard, and it can also make it difficult for seniors to move around the house.
Get a stairlift
If your home has stairs, you might want to consider getting a stairlift or an elevator. This will make it much easier for seniors to get around the house and will also help prevent falls.
Stairlifts can help seniors get around the house safely and efficiently. One of the most frustrating things for seniors is not being able to get around their homes freely due to a lack of mobility. With stairlifts, seniors can live a much more independent life.
Invest in better lighting
Finally, you should make sure that your home is well-lit. This will help seniors see better and will also make it easier for them to get around the house. Good lighting can also help prevent falls.
Motion sensor lights are an excellent option for lighting up dark areas of the house. They’re incredibly convenient because they’ll turn on automatically when someone enters the room. This way, seniors will never have to fumble for a light switch in the dark. Motion sensor lights also help you save on your energy bill!
Wrapping Up
If you’re looking for ways to make your home more accessible and safe for aging in place, consider investing in some home modifications. There are a lot of great options available that can make your life easier and keep you safe.
These five simple tips should give you a good starting point, but be sure to explore what other options might be available to you. Taking these steps now will help ensure that your home is ready when you need it most.
At Vancouver Home Health Care Agency, Caring and Compassion is our Business.