Why Senior-Proofing Your Home Is Important

Having an elderly loved one live with you comes with unique challenges. That’s because, among other things, they require a safe environment that protects them from common hazards that younger folks my not think about twice. For example, fall hazards are likely in every room of your house, but you might not even be aware of it. The likelihood of suffering a fall increases with age due to lack of agility and balance, not to mention poorer eyesight. You should carefully comb through your space for tripping hazards and seek to eliminate them.

Home Modifications to Help Your Elderly Loved One

Some simple home modifications may make all the difference to your loved one and their ability to maintain as much independence as possible, such as:

• Install stair railings: Climbing and descending stairs becomes more challenging with age. A railing can prevent life-threatening trips down the stairs.
• Make sure the stairways are well-lit: Make sure your stairways are well-lit, particularly at night. Use fluorescent lighting on the stairs so they can see where they are stepping.
• Get grab bars for the bathrooms: Slippery mishaps are more common in the bathroom than any other room. Grab bars can be incredibly helpful for the elderly when getting up from the toilet or a shower chair.
• Remove loose rugs: Area rugs and throw rugs may be decorative, but present tripping hazards for older adults. If you want to have rugs, make sure they have a rubberized backing to grip the floor better.
• Adjust the water heater to 110 degree Fahrenheit: Burns can be especially harmful for senior citizens. You can adjuster the water heater to prevent your senior from scalding their skin.
• Watch the family pets: Have a secure area for your pet while your elderly relative moves around, because they are a big fall risk.

How Do I Get Started with Senior-Proofing?

Remember the old saying: An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Still, you may be hesitant to make that first step to help your aging relative by installing grab bars or making sure there’s a light switch for the stairways. You may even worry your older friend or family member may not like the idea of senior proofing. Still, just a few adjustments in the home can ensure a safer environment for your family and help your loved one lead a healthier lifestyle. If you’re worried about cost, there are local and state programs that provide financial assistance for retrofits like grab bars. You may also choose a low-interest loan for home improvement as an option.