- Declutter the home to remove any tripping hazards to make the walkways illuminated.
- Install hand railings in stairwells for independence and safety.
- Provide adequate lighting to reduce the risk of accidents.
- Install safety devices such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and emergency alert systems.
- Make the kitchen safe with non-slip mats and rugs, safety controls on appliances, placing cookware in accessible reach areas, and securing cabinet doors.
As a family caretaker, one of your primary objectives is to ensure that your senior family members are safe and comfortable at home. A safe home is conducive to seniors’ happiness, well-being, and overall health, and it’s your responsibility to make it happen.
Whether your senior loved one is living with you, alone, or in assisted living, you can make their living environment as safe and secure as possible. Here are some practical tips on how to make your home safe for senior family members.
Declutter Your Home
Decluttering your home is the first step to creating a safe living environment for your senior relatives. Remove any unnecessary objects, broken furniture, hazardous rugs, and anything that may be a tripping hazard. Ensure the floors and hallways are transparent and electrical cords are safely tucked away. Keep walkways illuminated to prevent any stair or room accidents in the nighttime.
Install Hand Railings
Most seniors still prefer to be independent and do things on their own. To make this possible, consider installing hand railings in the stairwells of your home. When choosing materials, consider metal railings as they are more durable, easier to maintain, and require minimal cleaning.
And to finish off your project, you need to get a set of stainless steel weld cleaning brushes that you can use to remove dirt and rust from the metal surfaces. This will give you a clean slate to paint your railings in your chosen color. You will also need to screw the bars into the wall, which can be done with standard screws.
Provide Adequate Lighting
Seniors are likely to encounter difficulties with navigating in dimly lit areas. Ensure enough lighting is in all areas of the house, and replace any broken light bulbs you might find. Nightlights may also come in handy in bathrooms, hallways, or other areas that need to be lit up at night. Proper lighting reduces the risk of accidents and enhances your senior loved one’s mobility.
Install Safety Devices
Many safety devices can make your senior family member’s home safer. Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and emergency alert systems can help you take prompt action in an emergency and offer peace of mind. Other helpful safety devices include non-slip shower mats, grab bars, raised toilet seats, and shower benches. Consider these kinds of devices when creating a safer environment.
Make the Kitchen Safe
The kitchen is the heart of any home, but it can also be one of the most dangerous places in the house, especially for seniors. As people age, their balance, mobility, and coordination can decline, making them more prone to accidents. Accidents in the kitchen, ranging from minor burns to severe falls, can severely impact a senior’s quality of life. Fortunately, there are many simple yet effective measures you can take to make your kitchen safer for seniors.
Non-slip Mats and Secure Rugs
Non-slip mats are essential for a safe kitchen and can be used near the sink, fridge, and stove. Additionally, use rugs that will not slide easily. This will help to reduce the risk of an old slipping and falling due to an unexpected shift in the spacing between the rug and the floor.
Install Safety Controls
To ensure your senior’s safety, you should install safety controls on all kitchen appliances, such as stoves, ovens, microwaves, and dishwashers. Ensure they are within easy reach for seniors who have difficulty reaching high places. These controls help to prevent accidents and fires from happening in the kitchen.
Place Cookware in Areas they Can Reach
Seniors are more likely to injure their hands and wrists when reaching a pan or pot too far. To simplify this task, place all cookware within easy reach in areas like low shelves and cupboards. This will allow seniors to access them without having to bend or stretch.
Secure Cabinet Doors
Seniors may have difficulty opening cabinets with traditional knobs, so consider installing lever-style handles that are easier to grip and turn. This will make it much easier for your senior loved one to access items in the kitchen, reducing the risk of falls or other injuries.
Final Thoughts
Creating a safe living environment is critical to promoting your senior family member’s safety, independence, and well-being. Remember, these are guidelines, and you should tailor the solutions to your senior loved one’s needs. Remember that what works for one person may not be suitable for another. However, using these tips as a foundation, you can customize your plans to ensure your senior loved ones are always comfortable, secure, and happy.
