If you have an elderly relative, especially one who lives alone, they may be at a high risk of a fall, accident, or injury in their home. As people age, they become less mobile due to bone and muscle degeneration, poor balance, failing eyesight, foot and ankle problems, and complications from medical conditions or side effects from medications.
Your loved one’s home may be hard to navigate, especially for someone who uses an assistive mobility device like a walker or cane. Damaged flooring, poor lighting, narrow walkways, and other issues can increase the risk of a fall. Luckily, modifying your home doesn’t have to be expensive. Here is a look at some affordable home modifications that make a big difference for seniors.
A Home Safety Evaluation
A home safety evaluation is the most effective way to determine what modifications you need to make in your home to manage your loved one’s safety and reduce the risk of falls. Some community organizations even offer free home safety evaluations.
During the evaluation, an expert in senior safety or a certified aging in place specialist will assess the home’s interior and exterior. They will look for areas in need of repair or that could increase fall or accident risk or pose a health or safety hazard to your elderly loved one.
They will then give you a detailed report that outlines their findings and make professional recommendations for home repairs, upgrades, and modifications. Some agencies even partner with local handyman companies or home renovation companies that specialize in home modifications for seniors.
Installing Grab Bars, Safety Bars, and Railings
Certain areas of your loved one’s home are more dangerous than others. The shower or bathtub, toilet, bed, and stairs and steps can be hazardous. Installing grab bars, safety bars, and railings in those areas will reduce the risk of a fall or injury.
Buy a Shower Seat and Raised Toilet Seat
A shower seat can reduce your loved one’s risk of slipping and falling in the shower. A raised toilet seat makes it easier for elderly people and those with mobility or dexterity issues to get up and down from the toilet.
Repair Flooring and Use Nonslip Mats
Damaged flooring, like cracked tile and frayed or curled carpet, can significantly increase the risk of falls. Repair or upgrade the flooring in the house, and place nonslip mats in areas that are at risk of water or moisture.
The best places to use nonslip mats are in front of the door, in front of the sink and/or dishwasher, in front of the washing machine, and in the bathroom at the entrance to the shower or tub.
Install Ramps Over Stairs and Steps
Stairs and steps are huge safety hazards for seniors, especially those with mobility issues or who use assistive mobility devices. While stair lifts are expensive, ramps can be much more affordable. Install ramps over any stairs or steps to reduce the risk of a trip and fall.
Upgrade Lighting and Integrate Smart Lighting or Light Timers
Poor lighting is a huge risk for seniors who have trouble getting around the house. Upgrade the lighting in the home to make sure there are no dark areas inside or out that could pose safety risks.
Consider integrating smart lighting, which can be controlled using a smartphone app or an automated schedule. You can also install motion-sensor lighting, room occupancy sensors, or light timers so that lights go on and off automatically.
Use Smart Home Devices and Voice-Activated Assistants
Smart home devices can make your home much more accessible and senior-friendly. Here are some of the most helpful ones to install if you’re concerned about the risk of a fall or accident in the home:
Automated Window Shades – Automated window shades can be adjusted using a remote, voice activation, or a smartphone app.
Your loved one won’t have to get up and stretch and reach for a rod or cord to open or lower shades. Instead, they can just press a button. Some shades can also be set on a timer so that they open in the morning and close in the evening.
Smart Lights and Plugs – Smart lights and plugs can also be operated using your voice, a remote, or a smartphone app. Your loved one can turn lights on and off from anywhere in the home, even from bed.
They won’t have to bend to turn floor lamps or table lamps on and off, or stretch to reach light switches. Some smart lights are also dimmable, so that your loved one can adjust them to their specific preferences.
Voice-activated Assistants – Voice-activated assistants can remind your loved one of appointments, special dates, and even to take medications.
They can also be used to control smart devices and appliances in the home. Some assistants can even answer questions, like “what’s the weather today,” or “what are the latest news headlines?”
Smart Appliances – Many appliance companies now make smart appliances. Dishwashers, refrigerators, toaster ovens, stoves, washers and dryers, and more can be controlled using smartphone apps or voice-activation.
Your loved one can turn the thermostat up or down, start the coffee maker, or check the status of the dishwasher or washing machine using a simple app. Some have built-in safety features as well that will notify the user of a leak or other hazard.
Install Smoke and Fire Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide detectors can alert your loved one and first responders to an emergency. Have them professionally installed or do ample research about the best types of systems to use and proper installation, placement, testing, and maintenance.
If your loved one is having memory problems or has trouble getting around the house, an alarm can mean the difference between life and death.
Explore Wearable Health and Safety Technology
Many different companies now make wearable safety devices for seniors. Some devices, like certain brands of smart watches, can monitor heart rate and blood oxygen levels, and can even send alerts to your loved one’s physician.
Fall detection devices can sense if your loved one has fallen and can notify first responders. Medical alert devices are wearable devices with a button that can be pushed in an emergency, whether it’s a fall, break-in, or injury.
Use Lower Shelves in Cupboards or Install Pull-Out Shelves
Your loved one shouldn’t be using stepstools or standing on chairs to reach items on higher cupboard shelves. Relocate items that are used on a daily basis to lower shelves or the counter. You can also install pull-out shelves and Lazy Susans to make it easier for your loved one to access things.
Rearrange Furniture and Get Rid of Clutter
Narrow walkways and clutter can increase the risk of a trip and fall. Rearrange furniture so that each room has a wide pathway your loved one can use, even if they are in a mobility scooter, using a cane, or a walker. Get rid of clutter, and keep the floors free of obstacles like baskets, clothing, shoes, and electric cords.
Hire an In-Home Caregiver
If you can’t be with your loved one all the time, the next best thing is to hire an experienced in-home caregiver. At Placita In Home Care, we offer varying levels of elder care services based on our clients’ specific needs.
We will work closely with you to determine your loved one’s needs, provide personalized and compassionate home caregiving services, and ensure your loved one’s comfort and safety in their home.
We also offer home safety evaluations, Alzheimer’s care, dementia care, and assisted living placement services. To schedule a consultation for in-home care in the Tucson or Phoenix metro area, call us today or fill out our contact form online.