As we age, making our homes safer and more comfortable becomes essential. Home safety modifications can create a supportive environment that allows older adults to age in place comfortably.
For seniors, a secure and accessible living space can help maintain independence, reduce the risk of injury, and ensure peace of mind. The same is true for adult children who are moving an aging parent into their home. Taking steps to ensure they are safe with you is important.
If you are wondering how and where to get started, here are seven senior-friendly home safety modifications to consider.
Ideas for Improving Home Safety for Seniors
- Bathroom Safety Improvements
Bathrooms are one of the most common places where seniors experience accidents due to slippery surfaces and difficult-to-navigate features. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 80% of the falls older adults experience happen in the bathroom, and an estimated 200,000 seniors are treated each year for bathroom-related injuries.
Installing grab bars near the toilet, as well as in and around the bathtub, can provide extra stability. Nonslip mats or adhesive strips should be placed in the bathtub to prevent slipping. A handheld showerhead can also allow the senior to sit instead of standing under the water.
Additionally, replacing a traditional shower with a walk-in model can eliminate the need to step over high tub sides, reducing the risk of falls. Don’t forget to investigate raised toilet seats. They can make standing up and sitting down safer.
- Stair and Floor Modifications
Stairs can be especially hazardous for seniors, particularly those with balance issues. To enhance safety, consider installing stair rails on both sides of the staircase and ensuring they are sturdy and easy to grip. Make sure the staircase is well-lit and consider applying contrasting tape to the edges to make steps more visible.
In addition to stairs, flooring should be taken into account. Avoid rugs that could easily slip or create tripping hazards. Instead, opt for low-pile carpets or slip-resistant flooring, such as vinyl or rubber, in high-traffic areas. Hardwood or tile floors should also be treated with slip-resistant finishes to improve traction.
- Wider Doorways and Hallways
For seniors who use walkers, canes, or wheelchairs, it’s essential that doorways and hallways are wide enough to accommodate these mobility aids. Widening doorways or removing obstacles in narrow spaces ensures that seniors can move around their home without difficulty. Smooth, level thresholds between rooms help with safe transitions and reduce the risk of tripping.
- Good Lighting
Adequate lighting is crucial to preventing accidents. Pay special attention to areas where seniors might be moving around at night, such as the kitchen, bathroom, and hallway. Adding motion-sensor lighting in key areas can help illuminate spaces when needed.
Night-lights in bedrooms and bathrooms are also helpful for guiding seniors to the restroom during the night without the need to fumble for switches. Bright, even lighting throughout the home reduces shadows that may obscure potential hazards.
- Smart Home Technology
Incorporating smart technology into a senior’s home can greatly improve safety and convenience. Devices such as smart thermostats, voice-activated assistants (like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant), and automated lights can be controlled without needing to move or strain.
Additionally, smart home security systems with cameras, doorbell monitoring, and emergency alerts can provide an extra layer of protection.
- Kitchen Safety Modifications
In the kitchen, modifications that reduce the risk of burns, cuts, and falls can be crucial. Fires can be particularly hazardous for older adults, especially those who have mobility issues and can’t evacuate quickly. But there are safety measures that can help. By installing a stovetop device that has an automatic shut-off feature in case a pan is left unattended, you may avoid a potential fire. Not hanging curtains, towels, or aprons too close to a burner is another preventative measure.
Lowering cabinets or using pull-out shelves can make it easier for seniors to access kitchenware without straining or reaching. Finally, don’t forget to place nonslip mats in front of the sink and stove.
- Emergency Response Systems
Lastly, emergency response systems provide an immediate way to call for help in case of an emergency. Wearing a pendant or wristband with a built-in alert button ensures that, even if a senior is unable to get to a phone, help can be summoned quickly.
Consider a Move to a Senior Living Community
By making these modifications, even temporarily while you are searching for an assisted living or memory care community, seniors may be able to reduce their risk of accidents. Should your search for senior living include locations in Michigan, we invite you to consider Heritage. Call a community near you to set up a time to visit.