Making Your Home Safe for Older Residents

Whether an older relative is moving in with you, or you’re planning on aging in your own home, it may be time to check out how safe and accessible your home is. Stairways and bathrooms can be risky places for able-bodied people, but throw mobility or cognitive issues into the mix and those areas of the home can create life-threatening mishaps.

Let’s take a look at how to make your place safer:

Safe walkways and entryways

Illuminated and flat walkways will provide safety for an older relative who may use a walker or wheelchair. Check yours, and repair cracked or uneven sidewalks, add anti-skid strips, and consider motion-sensor lights for extra protection.

Install rails on both sides of stairways and use color-contrasting treads for added visibility. Create a no-rise entryway with a ramp. Eliminate thresholds in the entryway into the home, as well as throughout the home, since they are known to be trip-and-fall hazards.

Bathrooms

Do not skimp when it comes to creating a safe bathroom. Make sure bathmats are non-slip and install non-slip strips in the bath and shower. Get some extra protection with non-slip rug tape.

Installing grab bars in the shower or bath and near the toilet will help prevent falls. Seniorliving.com advises using vertical or U-shaped grab bars, as opposed to diagonal bars, which are conducive to slipping. Reinforce the walls to support the weight of the person using the bars.

Extra lighting in the shower, as well as a height-adjustable hand-held shower sprayer and shower seats or benches, will also help.

An elevated toilet with ample space for maneuvering a walker or getting into a wheelchair is recommended for those with mobility issues. You can also install a lower sink with knee clearance.

Safe Bedrooms

Make sure there is enough space to maneuver a wheelchair or walker. Lighting should be ample and reachable from the bed. Rocker light switches near the headboard are recommended. Create closet space with a doorway that can accommodate mobility equipment and lower shelves for easy access.

Kitchens

To keep things safe in the kitchen, prevent bending or crouching, especially when it comes to hot food and appliances.

Appliances should be well-lit with easily readable dials and buttons. Seniorliving.com recommends wall ovens and microwave drawers to avoid lifting heavy and hot items over the appliance door.

Make pantry items accessible with lower shelves, and place frequently used items front and center. Lazy susans and roll-out shelves are ideal.

Check your water pressure and set your water heater to 120 degrees F to avoid burns.

With these safety measures in place, both you and your loved ones can have peace of mind.

If you need help with financing to make your home safe for yourself or an older resident, please contact us. A home equity loan or home equity line of credit from United Texas Credit Union can be an ideal way to finance any improvements.

Your turn: How have you made your home safer for older occupants?

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