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How to Make a Home Safe for Aging

A senior woman sitting on a red couch.

According to a recent poll, 88% of Americans between the ages of 50 and 80 say it’s very important to remain in their homes for as long as possible. Yet only 15% of older adults have considered the home modifications they’ll need to be able to safely age in place. If you or a loved one is hoping to remain at home during the retirement years, our tips can help you take steps to make your home safe for aging.

Tip #1: Reduce Fall Risks

 
Although 1 in 4 older adults falls every year, falling isn’t an inevitable part of getting older. You can reduce the risk of falls by taking these precautions:

  • Remove throw rugs, or tape them securely in place.
  • Add textured no-slip strips to steps.
  • Place handrails near raised doorway thresholds and stairs.
  • Repair sidewalks outside the home, fixing cracks and leveling uneven areas.
  • Keep pets corralled in a limited number of rooms so they won’t pose an unexpected tripping hazard.
  • Clear away extraneous furniture or other unnecessary objects that may clutter pathways through the house.

Tip #2: Improve Bathroom Safety

 
Research suggests that falls in a bathroom are twice as likely to result in injury than falls in other parts of the house. This is due in part to the fact that most bathrooms have hard, slippery surfaces and not much room to maneuver. To improve your bathroom’s safety:

  • Install grab bars and a shower seat in the tub or shower.
  • Use bath mats with non-skid rubber backing.
  • Add non-slip strips to the floor.
  • Mount a grab bar near the toilet.
  • Replace the toilet with a taller model to make it easier to sit and stand.

Tip #3: Enhance Kitchen Accessibility

 
The kitchen is a hub of activity in most homes, but making it functional and safe for older adults who want to age in place can require extensive remodeling. If you have the means and inclination to revamp your kitchen, consider replacing cabinets with drawers, installing a shallow sink that’s only 6 to 8 inches deep, and creating enough space for a wheelchair or walker to maneuver safely.

If you aren’t planning to fully remodel the kitchen, simple modifications can still improve the kitchen’s usability and safety for older adults.

  • Place the microwave at counter height.
  • Install easy-to-grip “D” shaped handles on drawers and cabinet doors.
  • Replace rugs with non-slip mats that are thin enough to avoid becoming a tripping hazard.
  • Store commonly used cookware in the most accessible cabinets.

Tip #4: Add Light

 
As we get older, normal changes in vision make it helpful to improve indoor lighting. In fact, one study found that enhanced lighting in the living room improved quality of life for 77-year-olds, who reported that better lighting made it easier to read, write and tend to daily tasks. In addition to existing overhead lighting, you can brighten your home by adding:

  • Task lighting over kitchen counters, on hobby tables, near a favorite reading chair
  • Night lights in hallways, bathrooms and bedrooms
  • Illuminated light switches to make it easy to turn on lights in the dark
  • Motion-activated outdoor lights over exterior doors

Tip #5: Remember Fire Safety

 
A fire can become life-threatening quickly, and since we tend to slow down as we get older, fire prevention is an important part of making a home safe for aging.

  • Smoke alarms give an early warning and improve your chances of escaping. Remember to replace batteries at least twice a year. People with hearing loss may need a smoke alarm that has flashing lights or comes with a vibrating bed shaker.
  • Cooking fires are the most common cause of home fires. To lower the risk, keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and make sure curtains, dishtowels, and the paper towel dispenser aren’t near stove burners.
  • Heating equipment, such as space heaters, causes 1 out of every 6 home fires. Be sure to keep any equipment that gives off heat at least 3 feet away from flammable materials, and never leave it plugged in while you sleep or when you’re not home.

Tip #6: Make It Easy to Call for Help

 
When an emergency arises, you may not have your cell phone handy. To make sure you can get the help you need, have phone extensions in easily accessible places in multiple rooms in the house. Also keep a list of emergency numbers, including poison control, family members, friends, healthcare providers and neighbors, near each phone extension.

Intentional Design at Artis Senior Living

 
A thoughtfully designed layout makes daily life easier, freeing older adults to focus on the joys of life rather than its challenges. At Artis Senior Living, our communities are designed to promote independence, safety, comfort and familiarity. Our unique approach to memory care and assisted living honors each resident’s individual needs and life story, while our experience and compassion makes us a valuable partner in navigating the challenges of getting older. Contact us to learn more about our Assisted Living and Memory Care communities.

 

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