Seniors need a safe and accessible living space as well as one that's comfortable. A well-designed home significantly improves their overall well-being and quality of life. By making just a few small changes, you will substantially enhance the safety of your senior loved one's home. This blog post will guide you through practical tips and suggestions for home accessibility for seniors.
With a little effort and ongoing adjustments, you'll create a space that supports your senior family member's changing needs and allows them to maintain independence.
Creating Safe Stairways
Stairways represent one of the most common areas where slips and falls occur. To make stairs safer, consider installing handrails on both sides that extend beyond the top and bottom steps. Additionally, a well-lit stairway prevents stumbles, and adding non-slip tread to your stairs provides extra traction for seniors.
Preventing Accidents in the Bathroom
More accidents happen in the bathroom than anywhere else in the home. To increase home accessibility and bathroom safety for seniors, install grab bars near the toilet and shower to provide extra assistance when needed. Non-slip mats or stickers in the shower or tub also help prevent dangerous falls. If getting in and out of the bathtub poses a challenge, consider investing in a walk-in shower or tub for added safety and ease of use. You can also consider installing safety bars and a raised seat for the toilet.
Making the Bedroom a Safe Haven
The bedroom is an essential space for seniors to feel relaxed and safe. Create a clear path from the bed to the door to minimize trip hazards. A bed rail adds extra support when getting in and out of bed. Installing nightlights also improves visibility during nighttime trips to the bathroom. Lastly, avoid placing rugs in the bedroom that may represent a slipping hazard.
Implementing Safety in the Living Area
While the kitchen, living room, and outdoor spaces may not immediately come to mind as areas where accidents occur, they still require attention. In the kitchen, arrange frequently used items for easy accessibility. Install pull-out shelves to make it simpler to access things without straining or overreaching. And make sure to include a sturdy step stool for hard-to-reach places.
To further increase home accessibility for seniors, remove clutter from all walking paths in the living room to eliminate trip hazards. Make sure to use sturdy and supportive furniture. Proper lighting can also help avoid eye strain and make it easier for seniors to navigate the space.
As for outdoor spaces like steps, ramps, and walkways, consider handrails and proper lighting to ensure safety. Keep walkways and sitting areas free of debris, and make sure the surfaces remain relatively even to avoid trips and falls.
Proper Storage Makes a Difference
To create organized spaces with clear paths and easy-to-reach items, consider using storage solutions to keep them in their designated place. Regularly review the accessibility of items in your home and make changes as needed. Adaptive equipment, such as reachers or grabbers, help make things more accessible and decrease strain.
Adjusting one's living space represents an ongoing process that reflects mobility and overall health changes. Paying attention to common and often overlooked areas and making small home accessibility changes as needed will significantly improve the safety and convenience of seniors' homes.
We Can Help
If you or a loved one in Indianapolis, Greenwood, Columbus, Martinsville, Franklin, or Marion County need assistance making your living space safer and more accessible, don't hesitate to contact Senior Helpers Greenwood & South Indianapolis today. Our compassionate and experienced team is here to help seniors create a home environment that meets their unique needs and allows them to live at home confidently.