Quick fixes for a safer home

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Quick Fixes for a Safer Home: Helping Seniors Age in Place

“Don’t you dare put me in a nursing home!” This is a sentiment we hear from nearly every senior client, and it reflects a universal desire: to age in place, in the comfort and familiarity of one’s own home. The key to making this possible is creating a safe, “senior-friendly” environment. A few simple, cost-effective modifications can dramatically reduce the risk of falls and help your loved one maintain their independence for years to come.

A Room-by-Room Safety Checklist

A great way to start is to simply observe your loved one as they move through their home. What do they have trouble with? Where do they seem unsteady? Focus on the rooms they use most often: the bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom.

The Bathroom: The Highest-Risk Area

  • Install Grab Bars: This is non-negotiable. Install sturdy grab bars in the shower, tub, and next to the toilet. Towel racks are not designed to support a person’s weight.
  • Improve the Shower/Tub: A walk-in shower is ideal, but a simple shower seat and a hand-held shower head can make bathing much safer. Use non-skid mats inside and outside the tub.
  • Elevate the Toilet Seat: A raised toilet seat can make it significantly easier to sit and stand.

The Kitchen: Promoting Independence

  • Keep Essentials Within Reach: Rearrange cabinets so that frequently used items are on lower shelves, eliminating the need for a stepstool.
  • Upgrade Faucets and Handles: Replace twisting knobs with easier-to-use lever-style handles on the sink and cabinets.
  • Post Emergency Information: Keep a clear list of emergency contacts, doctors’ numbers, and medications on the refrigerator.

Overall Home Safety

  • Eliminate Trip Hazards: This is the most important overall fix. Remove throw rugs, secure the edges of area rugs, and clear all electrical cords and clutter from walkways.
  • Improve Lighting: Ensure all hallways, stairways, and rooms are well-lit. Use night lights to illuminate the path from the bedroom to the bathroom.
  • Secure Handrails: Make sure all handrails on stairways are sturdy and installed on both sides if possible.

These practical modifications are a crucial part of any plan for Alzheimer’s or dementia care. By making the home safer, you can delay or even prevent the need for a costly facility, which is a key component of a comprehensive plan to protect your loved one’s assets. Call our office at (919) 256-7000 to schedule a consultation.