For some, the idea of growing old in their own home is a comforting thought. But for others, it can be downright scary. What if we find it difficult to get around our house on our own? What if we need help eating and bathing? How will we manage day-to-day tasks that were once so easy to do on our own? These are all valid concerns that many seniors face when they start considering living in their homes as they grow older. But these worries can easily be alleviated with a few modifications! In this blog post, you’ll find amazing tips for making your home elderly-friendly so you and your loved ones can live comfortably as you age into retirement.
Safety First
It’s important to make sure that your home is safe for anyone who may be living in it. It would help if you started updating the locks on all doors and windows, which are often easy fixes. If you’re going to have visitors come over or if you’ll need someone else to help out around town when you can’t do it yourself anymore. Also, make sure that all the electrical devices in your home are updated to be safer as well.
Area Rugs
Another way to ensure elder adult safety is by installing area rugs throughout your house. This will make it easier for you or other people walking through the house if they lose their balance, especially in winter when surfaces can get slippery. It is also best for avoiding injuries and making the home warm and cozy for them. Also, the rugs are best to reduce noise pollution and heat insulation flow in the home. Area rugs come in all shapes, designs, materials, and sizes. You want non-skid, so it doesn’t slide away from where you stand on it. It should also be easy to vacuum or sweep because they can get dirty easily over time.
Install Handrails On Steps or Anywhere Else
Climbing stairs is hard for some people, so install railings close to the steps or wherever difficult to walk. This will prevent falls and injuries from happening in your home. Also, cover the stairs with a soft and textured rug, so it’s easier to walk up and down the steps.
Repair Cracked Areas on the Floor
If you have any cracks on the floor, it’s important to repair them. This will prevent injuries from happening when someone falls over a crack and is in danger of hurting themselves. Use caulking or other safe materials for your floors to fill up the cracks, so it lasts longer than just using paint.
Install Lever Door Handles
Lever door handles make it easier for older people to open doors because they can turn the handle instead of having to grip and pull. Install them on every door that an older person will use in your home, so there is no difficulty opening any doors.
Foldable Ramps
If you have a set of stairs with various levels, install ramps instead of dealing with the stairs. It’s a lot easier to walk down or up to one ramp than it is to climb multiple sets of stairs every day.
Install Porch Railing or Barrier
Due to balance issues that come with age, porch railings are very helpful for safety in the house because they stop people from falling downstairs or off balconies.
Install Grab Bars
Grab bars are helpful for seniors who need assistance getting around or when they need to use a toilet. They provide extra stability, support, and safety near sinks and toilets, so people don’t fall by accident. Install them wherever you see fit. Just be sure that they are within the arm’s reach of the person using them.
Install Handrails in Bathrooms and on Stairs
Handrails are a great way to keep people from falling stairs or while helping them get up again if they have fallen. They can also be placed next to toilets for added safety, both when getting up and sitting down on them – especially for seniors who have had balance problems.
Install Threshold Ramps
Threshold ramps are also a great way to keep people from falling downstairs or while helping them get up again if they have fallen. They can be placed anywhere with an extra step, like doorways and entrances of rooms in the home. Be sure not on carpeting, though.
Do all Safety Measures in the Bathroom
Install grab bars and a non-slip mat or wool rugs to absorb water to the tub or shower. Be sure that at least one of them is reachable for people who have had trouble getting up and down in recent years.
Acquire an Electronic Lifeline Alarm
This type of alarm can be turned on when someone needs help, such as falling or having a seizure. The alarm will sound and notify someone who can come to their aid.
Install an Emergency Response System
Consider installing an emergency response system to contact somebody who can help quickly when needed, such as in a home accident. This will call for help in the event of a medical emergency.
Install an Emergency Alert System
This system transmits messages to specified family members or caretakers when you feel ill, fall, have other problems, and cannot communicate without them. It also sends updates on what is happening at home throughout the day. No installation fee!
Install Safety Sensors on Your Doors, Fire Alarm System
Install all the safety sensors on your doors and a fire alarm system to notify occupants of the home if there is an emergency. Safety sensors can be installed as you go about replacing old ones so that they remain activated all day long, while those who are not careful or aware may disable them from time to time by mistake.
Install Panic Pads All Around Your Home
Install panic pads all around your home and make sure that they are always in reach. A simple touch of these will alert first responders, family members, or friends whenever you need assistance.
In Conclusion
If you’ve been looking for ways to improve the quality of life in your home, we have some tips that will help keep your elderly loved ones safe and happy. By taking a few simple steps, like adding these five cozy rugs at RugKnots or buying a safety kit online store, you can make their space safer and more comfortable. All it takes is a little time and effort on your part!