If you live with an elderly loved one, you unquestionably have concerns about his or her well-being. Naturally, it’s wise to safeguard your home in order to protect your aging parent from harm. With a “safety first” mindset, you can prevent slips and falls, which are among the top culprits for injuries among seniors. Transforming your home into a safe zone for the elderly is especially important if your loved one contends with mobility issues.
Keep it clutter-free.
There’s nothing like being a neat freak in order to protect seniors from trips and falls. Possibly the easiest way to safeguard your home is to keep it free of clutter. Clear all of your walkways and staircases of any obstacles. We’re talking toys, books, clothing, loose rugs, electrical cords and unneeded furniture. Store all important items in accessible locations so that the senior in your home can get to them without bending or reaching. The more tidy your home, the lower the risk of accidents.
“Tripping hazards are a significant cause of falls, particularly in older adults,” affirms Occupational Therapy (OT) and Me, “Tripping hazards can include items such as loose rugs, uneven flooring, clutter, and poor lighting. These hazards can make it difficult for older adults to see and navigate through their homes, increasing the risk of falls. Falls can cause serious injuries, such as fractures, head injuries, and even death.”
Illuminate brightly.
Keep in mind that many seniors contend with vision challenges. The brighter you keep your home, the easier it will be for your loved one to refrain from tripping over something. Replace burnt out light bulbs immediately and place night lights in bedrooms, bathrooms and hallways. Remember that older adults tend to get up at night fairly often to use the washroom. Helping them to navigate the home safely at night is a key ingredient to injury prevention.
“Light switches should be easily accessible, and strategic locations in the home,” advises Wil Thomas of Seniors Bulletin, “Installing night lights can aid mobility at night, especially along route to the bathrooms. Lighting in areas such as stairs and passageways should be bright enough to provide sufficient visibility, not just at night time. You may also want to consider technology such as home automation, which can help light the home when and where you are within your home.”
Install grab bars.
Grab bars are regularly heralded as some of the greatest innovations in the world of senior safety. Predominantly installed in bathrooms, these simple and sturdy devices help individuals to gain the balance they need. Place grab bars near the toilet and in the shower or bathtub. In addition, be sure to securely mount handrails in your hallways. There not for staircases alone.
“Grab bars must be anchored firmly into the studs in the wall,” instructs the Public Health Agency of Canada, “Towel racks or soap dishes should never be used for support! Floor-to-ceiling poles, securely installed, can also help to steady you while getting out of bed or while dressing.”
Contact LifeCare Mobility Solutions!
We offer a wide variety of home bathroom modifications to help keep seniors safe in their homes. They include oversized light switches, night lights and grab bars. We also offer roll in showers, bath lift chairs, transfer benches, walk in tubs, raised support toilet seats and shower chairs. For more information, please don’t hesitate to call us at 416-267-9800 or email us at info@lifecaremobility.ca. You may also contact us by filling out the form on our Contact page!
