As your parents age, you need to make some changes in your home to keep them safe and happy. When it comes to making your home elderly-friendly, you don’t have to spend hundreds and thousands of dollars on major renovations. Even a few changes here and there can do the thing.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best ways to make your home elderly-friendly and create a safe place for your aging parents. So, let’s begin:
1. Declutter and Simplify Spaces
Your home is a place where your parents can relax and unwind, and it deserves to be in a top condition. To start with, you should make some efforts to declutter your space. For your older family members, less stuff means fewer chances to trip or stumble.
Start by saying goodbye to things you don’t need. Create wide, open paths, especially in busy areas. Shelves at reachable heights keep things handy, so no more stretching or bending. It’s like giving your home a relaxing makeover.
With fewer obstacles and a more straightforward setup, our loved ones can move freely, enjoying a safer and calmer living space.
2. Replace Dangerous Flooring
First of all, you need to replace the slippery floors to prevent slip-and-fall accidents in your home. It might be quite an investment, but it is worth it.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 646,000 individuals die from falls globally each year, making it the second leading cause of unintentional injury death, after road traffic injuries. Moreover, falls can lead to severe injuries such as hip fractures and head traumas, and they can increase the risk of early death.
So, if you have slippery flooring in your home, consider replacing it with non-slippery alternatives. For example, you can go for non-slip vinyl or laminate flooring which is a perfect solution to prevent slip and fall accidents. Additionally, ensure that transitions between different flooring materials are smooth and even to prevent tripping hazards.
By investing in safe, slip-resistant flooring, you can take a proactive step toward creating a secure environment for your aging loved ones.
3. Enhance Stair Safety with Grip Tape
When it comes to making your home safe for seniors, don’t forget about the stairs! They can be tricky, but there’s a simple solution: grip tape.
Know that Grip tape for Stairs adds a special non-slip surface to each stair, making it way safer to go up and down. This grip tape is easy to install and cost-effective, and it provides extra traction, reducing the chance of slips and falls.
Especially in busy staircases, these stickers make a big difference. So, if you want to boost stair safety for your older family members, consider adding grip tape – a small change that brings a lot of peace of mind.
4. Improve Lighting for Enhanced Visibility
Brightening up your home isn’t just about style – it’s a safety upgrade, especially for our elderly loved ones. When you add adequate lighting in your home, it acts as a guardian angel which reduces the risk of accidents.
Start by checking and updating lights in crucial spots like hallways and staircases. Also, consider replacing dull bulbs with brighter ones to create a clearer path. If you have a budget, you can also opt for Motion-sensor lights which lighten up when needed.
Don’t forget to add adequate lighting to your parents’ bedroom and especially hallways. It provides a gentle glow during the night. Adequate lighting isn’t just practical, it transforms your home into a safer, more comfortable haven, helping your loved ones navigate with ease and confidence.
5. Install Assistive Features: Handrails and Grab Bars
Now let’s talk about superhero features for your home – handrails and grab bars. These sturdy helpers are like having a trusted friend in crucial spots, making your home safer for seniors.
On stairs, handrails are like guiding lights, offering crucial support for going up or down. In bathrooms, grab bars by the toilet and in the shower are like secret agents, preventing slips.
Install them securely, at just the right height, for optimal support. You can even add non-slip covers for an extra grip boost.
With these assistive features, your home becomes a haven of stability, giving your elderly loved ones the confidence to move around freely and independently.
Summing Up
Creating an elderly-friendly home doesn’t always require extensive renovations or a significant financial investment. By implementing these simple and practical modifications, you can make your home safer and more comfortable for your aging loved ones.These changes not only enhance their quality of life but also promote independence and well-being, allowing them to age gracefully in the familiar surroundings of their home.
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