Whether an elderly family member is living alone or under your roof, it is essential to create a safe living environment for them. According to Executive Home Care, a provider of in-home care services, seniors run an increased risk of falling as they age, so evaluating the home for hazards that can contribute to falls should be done on the regular.
Here are a few simple tasks that will lead to a safer home environment for aging family members.
1. Declutter walk ways and high-traffic areas. Whether it’s the path leading to the front door or a main hallway inside the home, make sure it is clutter free. Outside, repair any large cracks or uneven stones, and find an out-of-the-way spot for garden statues and potted plants. Indoors, remove loose rugs, cords and unnecessary furniture to create clear walking paths, reducing the risk of trips and falls.
2. Improve lighting. Increase brightness in hallways, staircases and frequently used rooms with nightlights and motion-sensor lighting. Also, be sure to have plenty of light outdoors, including those that illuminate entryways to the home.
3. Secure handrails and grab bars. Install sturdy railings along main pathways and stairways indoors and out. Add grab bars in bathrooms to assist with balance and stability.
4. Rearrange essentials for accessibility. Keep frequently used items within easy reach to prevent seniors from overextending or using unstable furniture for support.
5. Review medications and emergency plans. Ensure seniors have easy access to emergency contacts and that medication storage is well-organized and up to date. Be sure daily medicines are in an easy-to-access place so that seniors can avoid over-reaching that could put them at risk.
Above all, make sure there is an emergency plan in place should your senior family member take a tumble. Look into wearable devices that allow them to signal for help, and check in frequently when you are not at home.
