Aging in place is becoming increasingly popular for older adults. Homeowners often choose this option because it allows them to live independently in a place where they feel safe and comfortable.
The reality is that a house can be dangerous if it lacks the proper safety precautions, particularly for those with mobility limitations. In the U.S., seniors are most likely to fall in and around the house, with 28.7% of adults over 65 falling at least once over the last year.
Seniors can protect themselves by modifying their living spaces. In this blog post, we’ll look at essential household safety tips that can reduce the chances of an accident in the home.
Importance of Home Safety for Seniors
Household safety tips are important for seniors to learn because a fall can happen instantly and without warning. It is the leading cause of death for people over 65. Additionally, 95% of hip fractures are caused by falls.
Preventative measures can stop a fall before it happens, allowing seniors to continue participating in daily activities and enjoying their lives as usual.
6 Must-Know Household Safety Tips
Are you ready to begin modifying your home? These household safety tips can help you get started.
1. Add Ramps to Improve Accessibility Between Levels
Ramps are a customizable solution that offers improved safety and accessibility at home. They’re designed with a gentle slope and slip-resistant surface to reduce the risk of falls.
Ramps eliminate barriers and ensure easy navigation to your home and between different levels.
2. Secure Area Rugs and Remove Tripping Hazards
Those stylish area rugs in your home can become quite dangerous for people with mobility issues. You can fix them to the floor with double-sided tape or remove them to lessen your chance of an accident.
Also, make sure to declutter all walkways, if possible. Navigating objects on the floor can be dangerous for people with limited accessibility.
3. Install Grab Bars to Promote Stability
Grab bars are essential near the toilet and in the tub or shower. They provide a steady place to catch your balance and move around the bathroom. Additionally, non-slip flooring can help you navigate wet areas with confidence.
4. Update Home Lighting to Improve Visibility
Proper lighting is a must-have household safety tip for seniors. If you can see a potential tripping hazard, you’re less likely to come into contact with it.
Keep these points in mind as you update your home lighting:
- Motion-sensor lighting can eliminate the need to look for a switch in dark or wet spaces
- Lights on staircases increase visibility on uneven surfaces
- Automatic lights in the bedroom and bathroom make it easier to navigate the home at night
- Light switches should be at an easily reachable height
5. Improve Safety With Walk-in Tubs or Showers
You can replace a traditional bathtub with a walk-in or roll-in option, allowing you to get in and out without stepping over the ledge — a frequent cause of slips and falls. You can further reduce your risk of falling by adding a seat in the bath if you don’t have one already.
6. Keep Kitchen Items Within Easy Reach
The layout of your kitchen can determine what changes are necessary. For example, using a step stool or bending down to access items can lead to balance issues and increase your chances of an accident.
Here are factors to consider when modifying your kitchen:
- Easy-to-open cabinets and cupboards
- Reaching items without needing assistance
- Counters and dishwasher at a comfortable level for easy use
- Accessing the stove and countertops from a seated position if you need a wheelchair in the future
- Easily accessible fire extinguisher
Havenside Puts Your Safety First
At Havenside, we help you create living spaces that are safe and enjoyable. Our remodeling and home modifications team is here to help you age in place in a way that works best for you.
Your safety is always our top priority. We ensure all solutions comply with relevant building codes and accessibility standards. The goal is to help you have peace of mind, knowing your space is safe and accessible for you and your loved ones.
Contact Havenside today to implement these household safety tips. We’re here to help you age confidently and independently in the comfort of your home.