4 Opportunities for Making a Home Safer for Senior Living
Monday, January 31st, 2022, 1:06 am , Posted by MED +
Most older adults prefer to “age in place” and stay in their homes as they age. But there are many safety concerns to address to ensure they can do so safely. Research has found that most seniors have done very little to prepare their homes for when they age. One study found that 85% of seniors have done nothing to prepare their homes for the ageing. When this is the case, while it may be the most comfortable, the home is not always the safest place for seniors.
“100% of ER doctors in the U.S. and Canada say it’s very important for adult children to take one day each year to perform a safety check of their ageing parents’ homes. But in the last year, only 44% (41% in Canada) have done this,” says CaregiverStress.com.
The good news is there are opportunities to make a home safer for senior living:
Eliminate Tripping Hazards
Thousands of seniors visit the hospital each year because of slip and fall accidents. Many potential tripping hazards can be removed from homes. Simple things like removing throw rugs, and reducing clutter are effective preventative measures.
Pets are also another tripping hazard. It’s important to make sure pets have a safe place to be when seniors are moving through the home, especially a person who has mobility issues.
Make Transitions Easier
Making it easy for seniors to come in and out of the house, get in and out of the bathroom, and move more freely through the home will improve safety. You can install a raised toilet seat and grab bars in the bathroom or consider adding a ramp instead of stairs on the exterior of the house.
Improve Reachability
It is important for seniors to have access to the things they need and use frequently. For example, you can make it easier for them to turn on the lights by lowering the switches and putting them in more convenient locations. You can move cookware to lower cupboards, and you can ensure all things seniors use frequently are easy to get to.
Consider Smart Home Devices
Technology can make things easier for seniors to stay in their homes longer. There are many smart devices today that can make living at home easier. Getting a voice-activated assistant, doorbell camera and being able to access lights and locks using a smartphone will allow seniors to perform tasks without having to move around.
See Our Bathroom Safety Products
At MED+, we offer an extensive selection of safety products for seniors and anyone with mobility issues. We offer everything from bath lifts, mats, grab bars, raised toilets and seats, shower chairs, benches, and much more. Contact us anytime to inquire about our product offerings.
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