5 Home Safety Improvements To Help The Elderly Live Independently

As the number of elderly individuals and especially those who are living alone rises, the importance of making homes safer and more accessible cannot be ignored. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 28 to 35 per cent of people aged 65 and older get injured each year due to slip and fall. It cause them injury, disability, loss of independence, and premature death. By including a few home safety improvement measures, the lives of seniors can become significantly comfortable. They can maintain their independence longer, reduce the risk of injury, and improve their quality of life. As falling is one of the leading causes of injury among seniors, here are five essential home safety upgrades that can make a noteworthy difference in the lives of the elderly.

Handrails And Install Grab Bars

Falling in the bathroom due to a slippery surface and wet floor is a common accident among the elderly, causing not only injury but also trauma. Installing sturdy grab bars near toilets, showers, and bathtubs can provide the essential support and stability to seniors when they are moving or standing. Handrails in the staircase and corridors are other measures to prevent falls by offering continuous support. Though they seem simple, such modifications mitigate the chances of slipping, enabling seniors to do daily activities like bathing and dressing confidently.

Modify Bathroom For Accessibility

Another risk linked to the bathrooms is their confined space with a wet surface. While anti-slip bathroom mats are useful, the other modification could be a raised toilet seat and a shower bench/chair to reduce strain and add comfort. Elderly people suffering from arthritis and mobility issues can especially benefit from it. Such small adaptations also enable elderly persons to maintain hygiene independently, and promote self-care and dignity.

Improve Lighting Throughout The Home

Poor lighting can increase the risk of falling. This is especially critical for seniors with poor eyesight. Installing brighter bulbs in corners of the house, motion sensor lights in hallways, bathrooms, and nightlights can reduce the risk of falling. The lighting in the day can also be tactically enhanced with natural light by keeping windows clean and arranging furniture so that more light can enter the house. Natural light also helps to uplifting mood and well-being.

Use Non-Slip Flooring

Bathrooms aren’t the only place that is slippery. Kitchens are also one of the common places where people are prone to slip. So, replacing the polished tiles with materials such as vinyl flooring or textured mats, which offer better traction, can be helpful. Anti-slip-backing rugs or removing the loose rugs altogether can also reduce the tripping risk.

Widen Doorways And Improve Accessibility

This change needs more planning, as this is an infrastructure modification. However, for elderly people who have mobility issues and use walkers or wheelchairs, narrow doorways can be an obstacle. Widening inside-house doors means easier movement within the house from one room to another. This can enhance their independence. Another crucial hack is installing lever-style door handles instead of knobs. It is helpful for people suffering from arthritis or limited hand strength to open doors effortlessly. Further, accessibility improvements like ramps at the entrance of the house enable seniors to safely enter, exit, and move in and out of the house without assistance.

When children go to the other city for jobs, elderly parents typically prefer living alone in their own homes. Therefore, making these safety enhancements is a proactive approach to support the dignity, health, and happiness of the elderly parents.  More importantly, investing in these modifications does not just protect them from a fall but enables them to live independently with confidence.