One of the hardest parts about getting old can be being displaced from your home. Many seniors want to continue living within the home where they spent their adult lives, where they raised their children, and made so many memories. Others just want to keep their independence. No matter which category you fall into, there are many things you can do to make your home safer, so your family will worry less, and you can continue living the life you planned for.
Consider Carpets
If you’re blessed with beautiful wood floors, it may pain you to cover them up. However, the rugs that cover those beauties raise your risk of falling. Installing carpet to your home prevents tripping over said rugs, and also adds cushion for your feet – which can be helpful for painful podiatry conditions. If carpeting isn’t an option, make efforts to reduce their movement with high-quality rug pads that reduce movement, and tacks so you don’t trip over a curled end.
Get Some Night-Lights
Strategically place night-lights around your home so you’re never in the dark to reduce your fall risk. Place one in the bathroom, one in the hallway, one in the kitchen, and other places along the usual routes you’d take to use the restroom or make a midnight snack.
Equip Your Bathroom
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 81% of injuries that happen in the bathroom are caused by a slip or fall. Reduce your chance of becoming a statistic by making a few changes in the bathroom. First, add non-skid mats to the shower and the bathroom floor to avoid slipping. Additionally, it’s a good idea to install support rails in the shower and near the toilet. These sturdy rails give you something to grip while you balance, give you something to grab for if you do fall, and give you support to help you lift yourself.
Rearrange Your Kitchen
Bending and reaching may not be as easy as it used to be. Pare down your kitchen wares, and keep the necessities. This allows you to reduce the amount of space you need to store items, so they can all be within arm’s reach. That way, you won’t have to bend and lift heavy items, since they’ll be stored in convenient areas.
Fix the Stairs
If you have a staircase, adding a few new features can make it much safer for you. Make sure it’s well lit, and that you have access to a light switch whether you’re at the top or bottom of the stairs. Furthermore, you should ensure the railing is properly fastened and sturdy enough to hold your full weight when necessary.
For added peace of mind, consider using an emergency alert system. These small wearable units provide independence, but also give you access to help with the touch of a button.
There’s always risk involved with living alone, no matter your age, but with proper management and support it can be done.
Do you want more tips on how to maintain your property, no matter your age? Visit Intempus Realty today.