Annabelle from Elder.center.com was kind enough to send us another Guest Post. As you will see in the article, there are many things in a senior’s home that can lead to having an accident. In this article, she covers the risks and how to mitigate them before they become an issue and lead to an injury … usually a fall. And because we do not heal as quick or as well as we did when we were younger, many lose their independence by having to resort living in an assisted-living facility. Now onto the article!
Along with growing older comes the increased risk for injuries and accidents at home. Nobody wants to worry about getting hurt in their own home, so if you or someone you love plans to age in place, consider taking some proactive measures. Sometimes, small improvements can make a surprisingly large impact on safety, especially when it comes to mobility and home navigation.
Read on for tips on how to make changes, courtesy of Secrets of Aging.
Risk For Accidents
There are many reasons the risk for accidents and injuries increases with age. Many seniors are experiencing physical changes, which can make them more likely to have accidents. According to Daily Caring, seniors experience changes in eyesight, decreased balance, loss of flexibility, and declining ability to walk. All of these could make it harder to navigate a home. These age-related health issues can lead to a variety of in-home risks, such as falls, fires, bedsores, sprains, and dislocated joints. Prevention is the key to avoiding these injuries for seniors.
Hire Services
When it comes to certain types of home maintenance and upkeep, sometimes it makes sense to hire help with household tasks. For example, rather than climbing on a ladder to clean your gutters in the autumn, you can use an online search tool to find a local gutter cleaning service with top reviews so you know you’re getting the right professionals. The same holds true for lawn care, house cleaning and making repairs inside the home that are out of reach.
Remove Tripping Hazards
For those with mobility issues (and even those that do not), it’s important to address the home as a whole. Start with the furniture. Properly anchoring furniture such as TV sets, bookcases, dressers, and other pieces throughout the home can keep seniors from tripping and falling. Also, walkways should be clear of hazards, such as electrical cords, worn flooring, and clutter. Scatter rugs can be particularly dangerous as then tend to slip out from under you.
Brighten things up
When it comes to senior safety, lighting is another whole-house concern. Technical Consumer Products points out that even seniors without a diagnosed vision issue benefit from better lighting. Over time, eye structures gradually lose elasticity, making it more challenging for seniors to go from bright to dark spaces.
With that in mind, try to brighten up the home. Burnt-out light bulbs should always be replaced immediately. Consider brightening dim corners, staircase landings, and poorly-lit hallways. Minimize shadows as much as possible to help with depth perception. Brightening the house will also make it easier to see obstacles.
Bring the light from outside in. Natural lighting can help seniors’ circadian rhythms stay on track. This helps them have more energy, healthy eating habits, and quality sleep. Avoid glare by using window treatments, such as light-filtering shades or sheer curtains.
Make bathroom use more comfortable
The combination of water and soap on slippery flooring can make the bathroom a challenging environment for seniors. If mobility is an issue, look for simple changes to make the bathroom safer. For instance, handrails and grab bars provide support for transitions and help seniors catch themselves if they lose their balance.
Similarly, adding grippy, non-slip shower mats can boost traction in the tub, shower, and sink area. A comfort-height toilet helps with aging backs and joints. It also offers the bonus perk of using less water than traditional models. Another idea is to get an elevated toilet seat to help ease transitions from up to down and back up.
Laurysen Kitchens notes that a benefit of senior-friendly upgrades is that they can be aesthetically pleasing. If you plan on selling the home in the future, the right choices could increase the value of your home and attract potential buyers.
Take advantage of technology
When it comes to seniors staying safe at home, there are several devices worth considering. For instance, there are motion-activated lights that brighten areas when you enter them. These save you the trouble of having to flip a switch, which can be especially helpful if you are carrying something. They also help save on energy bills. There are devices that notify you if you leave a stovetop burner on, pill dispensers that ensure you never miss a dose, and devices that call for help if you fall.
Homes are supposed to be places of comfort and safety, but as you age trying to navigate your home can become hazardous. Check throughout the house for trouble spots, and make changes as needed. Even small changes can keep seniors from being badly injured. If you would like to know more about risk mitigation in a senior’s home, read our post titled Fall Prevention Guide.
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