Accessibility in a home is a priority for seniors. A home with great accessibility tells a story all the time. What kind of story is your home telling?
The good news! There are a few thoughtful changes you can make in your home to make it safer, accessible, and even more welcoming, especially if you are getting older and need to make your home accident-proof.
1. Declutter
Remove loose rugs, magazine stacks, and wiring from the walkways. This will save you from accidents waiting to happen. Always keep your common areas free to reduce the risk of anyone falling.
2. Light It up
Lighting up your home is the quickest way to make your space safe and accessible. Bright but non-glaring lights are perfect for hallways, staircases, and bathrooms. You can use motion-sensor nightlights to make it easy to visit the bathroom at night.
3. Improve bathroom security
You can make your bathroom accessible and safer by installing grab bars near the toilet and shower. You can gain extra stability by adding a non-slip bath mat, a shower chair, and a handheld showerhead.
4. Refloor
Reflooring is a good way to improve accessibility for a senior in the home. Choose non-slip flooring like cork, vinyl, or carpet. You can also use rugs that are secured with a non-slip backing.
5. Stair Safety
You can make the stairs safer by installing sturdy railings on both sides. If climbing is difficult for the senior in the house, you can add stair lifts.
6. Keep Essentials within reach
Keeping everyday items like dishes and toiletries at waist to shoulder height helps encourage independence. This reduces the need for stretching, bending, and using step stools.
7. Upgrade doorways and pathways
Walkers and wheelchairs need wider pathways, and you should make allowance for this to improve accessibility. Remove narrow obstacles and install lever-style door handles that are easier to grip than traditional knobs.
8. Add Smart Tech
Voice-activated assistants, medical alert systems, and video doorbells add convenience and an extra layer of safety and security for seniors living in the home.
9. Manage outdoor hazards
Uneven walkways, loose steps, or poor lighting are dangerous. Ensure accessibility is a high priority by fixing all cracks in pavement, adding railings, and keeping your pathways well-lit.
10. Regular safety checks
Take time to check your home setup now and then, make little adjustments whenever you need to. Small changes can make a big difference in how comfortable and safe your home feels. As often as is needed to make your senior family member or friend as comfortable as possible.
As you or your loved ones get older, our homes should grow with us. A cozy living room, bright kitchen, and safe bathroom are details that make a difference when you are building a home where a senior can be independent and confident. An environment where they do more than survive, they thrive.
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