Small investments can make big safety changes when it comes to making a home safe for older adults.
Your first step is to walk around the house going from room to room assessing where safety modifications can be made. One of the most common accidents around the home is falling. Falls can happen to anyone at any age, but they are especially common among adults aged 65 and older. Make sure there are no objects or clutter on the floors.
- Secure all scatter rugs to the floor. Remove any scatter rugs from the top or bottom of stairs. Install stairs treads on both indoor and outdoor stairs.
- Electrical cords should always be tucked away so they do not interfere in any pathway.
- If there are pets in the home, it is likely that there are pet toys laying about. These can become a hazard for anyone with poor vision or balance. Keep the toys stored in a container and out of the way when not in use.
- Make sure furniture is spaced far enough apart, about three feet, in the room so you can walk around it.
- Lighting around the house should be optimized. Make night lights are installed in the path where someone might walk to the bathroom in the dark at night.
Check the bathroom
Bathroom tile and tub surfaces can easily become slippery and dangerous. Here are some steps you can take to minimize risk:
- Set the water temperature to no hotter than120 degrees.
- Install shower grab bars and a water-proof non-skid shower bench.
- A walk-in tub is a good solution for those who have difficulty getting in and out of a tub. Some walk-in tubs even feature aromatherapy and hydrotherapy. These features offer a spa-like experience.
- Comfort height toilets make it easier to safely, get up and down from the seat.
- Place a nonslip bathmat to step on when coming out of the shower or tub .
- Use a shower organizer for storing personal shower products. This will remove any clutter, shampoo bottles or sponges that are often left on the rim of a tub.
Modify the bedroom
It is easy for some people to fall out of bed when asleep. Bed frames come in different heights. The standard bed height is between 20-23 inches. The lower to the floor, the better. A soft carpeted bedroom floor might be worth installing to cushion any potential falls. Some beds are made to be adjusted electronically. For peace of mind, they could be worth the investment.
For those who may require more extensive safety modifications, contact a contractor designated by the National Association of Home Builders as a certified aging-in-place specialist (CAPS).
Safety is the top priority for everyone and at every age. Contact us if you need assistance in modifying your current lifestyle.
Claudine Steinfurth
REALTOR®
(216) 409-4039
RE/MAX Above & Beyond
7570 Chippewa Road
Brecksville, OH 44141
