As we age, our homes may not be safe and secure enough. Older adults may struggle with deteriorating vision and mobility issues, making it challenging to navigate the house. Whether you’re hoping to stay in your home as you age or are helping an elderly loved one, here are a few ways to make a home safe for seniors.
Install Handrails to Make a Home Safe for Seniors
Handrails are especially important for seniors with difficulty getting around due to mobility issues or a lack of balance. Installing handrails in the bathroom and near stairs helps prevent falls by providing extra support. Consider installing grab bars in the shower or tub, too.
Replace Rugs and Carpets
Rugs and carpets can be hazardous when worn down and frayed at the edges. Make sure all floor coverings are securely fastened, with no loose corners that could trip someone. If your existing rugs are worn, replace them with a different flooring option that provides better traction and cushioning against falls.
Organize Medication
Caring for a senior loved one can be challenging, especially when managing their medication. Seniors often must take multiple prescriptions at different times and in varying doses. Organize medication to make your home safe for seniors.
Create a medication schedule or chart that lists the medications your loved one takes, including the dosage and frequency. A chart will help you track when each dose should be taken, helping avoid missed doses or double-dosing.
Make the Bathroom Safe for Seniors
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are a leading cause of injury and death in older adults. One area of the home that poses a particular risk is the bathroom. Install grab bars near the toilet and in the shower or bathtub to make this space safer. These bars provide support when getting up from a seated position or maneuvering around slippery surfaces.
Another way to improve bathroom safety is by swapping traditional bath mats with non-slip ones. These mats adhere securely to tiled floors, reducing the risk of slips or trips when entering or exiting the shower.
Improve the Lighting to Make a Home Safe for Seniors
As we age, our eyesight deteriorates, making it difficult to navigate through a home safely. Poor lighting can be especially dangerous for seniors because it increases the risk of accidents.
To improve lighting in a home, add more natural light sources. Consider installing larger windows or skylights or adding mirrors to distribute natural light throughout the room. Another option is to install brighter bulbs in existing fixtures or upgrade to LED lights that are brighter, longer-lasting, and more energy-efficient.
Order a Healthy Home Inspection
A healthy home inspection will help you catch problems that compromise safety like water intrusion, cracked foundations, mold, and roof issues. Taking care of potential hazards before they progress will make the house safer for the people living there and prepare it for a potential future sale.
With a few simple upgrades, your home can become a much safer place for seniors and those with limited mobility. With these tips in mind, seniors can enjoy the comforts of their own homes without compromising safety or security.
Assure Home Inspection offers inspections to customers in the Chicago area. If you’re buying or selling a home, contact us to request our services.