Make Your Home Safer to Prevent Falls

Would you allow your child to wander outside alone, in the dark, without supervision? The answer to this question is inevitably “no.” However, for some if this question was replaced with “parent” the answer immediately changes to “yes.” But as parents get older, they may need protection too, even from things that seem the norm.

As we age, simple tasks that never seemed challenging or frightening can suddenly become a difficult part of our day. In fact, the chance of a senior citizen becoming physically or cognitively impaired in their live is 2 out of every 3! So it is vital that their homes are safe and free of hazards that are easy to overlook and there are several ways to do so. Some examples are:

·       Telephones should be in each main room, and should be low enough so they can
   be reached from the floor in case of a fall.

·       Keep a working flashlight on the nightstand; check the batteries periodically.

·       Put eye-level decals or reflector tap on glass and screen doors.

·       Remove throw rugs from any high traffic areas.

·       Replace glass shower doors with unbreakable plastic or shower curtains (which
   should be changed every six months.)

·       Fix the height of the bed so it is easier to get out of.

·       Use unbreakable dishes in the kitchen.

There are many other ways similar to the ones above that will help you safe-proof the home. This planning doesn’t need to be as complicated, and in fact, we can take simple, commonsense steps along the way to help ourselves or our loved ones live a more fruitful, independent life during their elderly years. Following these senior safety guidelines will help you keep key areas such as the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and outside secure.

Prevention steps may seem simple, but they are often easily overlooked. Unfortunately, at 80 years old, over half of seniors fall annually. Making your or your parent’s home safe shouldn’t be delayed. Review these senior safety steps  with your loved ones to ensure that their own home is safe and everyone can enjoy their peace of mind.