Making a home safe for seniors doesn’t have to be difficult. A few simple changes can go a long way in preventing accidents and giving everyone peace of mind. Whether you’re helping a loved one or making adjustments for yourself, here are some easy and effective ways to make a home safe for seniors.
Look for Hazards Around the House to Make Your Home Safe for Seniors
Start by taking a good look around the home. Are there tripping hazards like loose rugs, cords, or clutter in walkways? These small things can cause big problems. Make sure floors are even, and fix any steps or tiles that might be sticking up. In areas like the kitchen and bathroom, use non-slip mats to help prevent slips and falls.
Brighten Things Up
Good lighting makes a big difference. If the home feels dim in places, swap out low-wattage bulbs for brighter ones. Add nightlights in hallways, bedrooms, and bathrooms so it’s easier to move around at night. Motion-activated lights are also a great idea since they turn on automatically when someone enters a room—no more fumbling for switches in the dark.
Make Bathrooms Safer
Bathrooms can be tricky, but a few updates can make them much safer. Install grab bars near the toilet and in the shower or tub for extra stability. If stepping over a high tub edge feels risky, think about getting a walk-in shower or tub. A shower chair and handheld showerhead are also great additions, giving more stability and control. Don’t forget to use non-slip mats to keep wet floors from becoming slippery hazards.
Think About the Stairs
Stairs can be challenging, especially if balance or mobility is an issue. Make sure stairs are well-lit and have sturdy handrails on both sides. Adding bright, contrasting tape to the edges of each step can help make them easier to see. If stairs are too much to handle, installing a stairlift or moving essential rooms to the main floor might be the way to go.
Accessibility is Critical to Make Your Home Safe for Seniors
A few small tweaks can make life a lot easier. Replace round doorknobs with lever-style handles that are easier to open. Keep frequently used items in easy-to-reach spots to avoid too much bending or stretching.
Stay Safe from Fire and Carbon Monoxide
Safety from fire and carbon monoxide is a must. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every floor and check them regularly to see if they’re working. Keep a fire extinguisher handy—especially in the kitchen—and make sure everyone knows how to use it. Avoid using space heaters or candles unattended, as they can quickly become fire hazards.
Use Emergency Alert Systems to Help You Make Your Home Safe for Seniors
Emergency alert systems can be a lifesaver. With just the press of a button, seniors can call for help if they fall or have a medical emergency. Some systems even have fall detection and GPS tracking, which can be incredibly helpful for those living alone or managing health conditions.
Keep Things Easy to Navigate
It’s important that a home is easy to move around in. Arrange furniture to create clear paths, and avoid putting small tables or other obstacles in walkways. Use contrasting colors for walls and floors to make it easier to see where one ends and the other begins. Label things like medicine bottles or storage areas to make daily tasks simpler and more organized.
FAQs
What’s the most common reason seniors fall at home?
Trips over loose rugs, cords, or clutter are a major cause of falls. Slippery floors and poor lighting are also hazards.
How can I help a senior feel more comfortable with safety changes?
Talk about how these updates can help them stay independent and avoid injuries. Let them be part of the decisions so they feel more in control.
What products make a home safer?
Some helpful items include grab bars, non-slip mats, handheld showerheads, stairlifts, and emergency alert systems.
How often should I check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors?
It’s a good idea to test them once a month and replace the batteries at least once a year. If they’re older than 7-10 years, it might be time to replace them.
KeysInspector provides inspection services to homeowners in southern Florida. Contact us to request our services.