Your home is a place where you should always feel safe.
As a senior or someone with mobility issues, you face additional challenges to keep your home safe.
Fortunately, there are a variety of home safety products, aids, and even home modifications that can improve the safety of your home and give you the peace of mind you deserve.
Every room in your home could be a potential risk.
The following is a room-to-room safety guide for seniors on how to stay at home safely.
Remove all hazards throughout the house.
Many different hazards can be found throughout your home.
The first thing you need to do is get rid of them.
Removing these hazards reduces your risk of falling and other accidents from happening.
Here are some tips to remove common hazards:
Declutter your entire home, room by room
Make sure all extension cords are stowed away
Remove any unused or unnecessary furniture
Clean up water and spills immediately
Ensure all floor mats are secured to the floor
Keep your home well lit
Stay on top of cleaning – declutter regularly
Just in case, keep all emergency numbers handy, so you can call for help if necessary.
1, Clear the entryway
Your front enter way (and all entryways in general) needs to be clear of any tripping hazards.
Keep shoes on a rack, ensure all carpets and mats are properly secured on the floor, and ensure a well-lit area.
If you require a walking aid, ensure your cane, walker, or wheelchair can safely fit through the door frames and allow you to maneuver through the rest of the house.
2, Make sure nothing is cooking in the kitchen
Accessibility is important in the kitchen.
You do not want to have to reach too much, especially for larger items, or they could be a falling hazard.
Store heavier and frequently used items within arm’s length if possible.
Some things you may want to consider to make your kitchen safer are auto shut-off switches, having a stepladder or reacher handy to help you access hard to get items.
3, Make the bathroom a slip-free zone
Your bathroom is one of the most dangerous areas of the home.
There is a variety of tripping and slipping hazards.
From water on the floor to get in and out of the bath or off the toilet, you need to tread carefully.
Improve the bathroom’s safety by using slip-free bathmats, installing a higher toilet, and adding grab bars.
You could even consider a walk-in tub.
4, Make your bedroom your haven
Your bedroom should be a place of comfort.
It’s important to make sure you have a clear path in and out of bed.
You should have easy access to lights.
You could even keep a phone close by just in case you need assistance.
If you are increasingly having issues getting in and out of bed, consider installing a grab bar, safety poles, or even a bed rail.
Other options include getting an electric or adjustable bed to help you stay comfortable at night and make it easier to get in and out.
5, Don’t make the stairs an uphill battle
Stairs are a big potential hazard for seniors.
It’s important always to keep them well-lit and free from clutter.
Make sure the handrails are sturdy.
If you have slippery wood stairs, consider installing a runner or getting them carpeted to give them more grip.
If your stairs are becoming a challenge increasingly, consider a stairlift.
This will give you peace of mind in knowing you can go up and down without issue.
6, Get An Estimate For All Home Safety Equipment
TOUSDA is your number one source for all your home safety needs.
Whether you are looking for a grab bar for your bathroom, a stairlift, bed rail or anything else, we are happy to assist you with all your needs.
Contact us today to discuss your options.
Check out our wide range of products and services on our website.
