Handy Pro, certified handyman professionals and members in good standing with the Better Business Bureau.
Seniors that want to decrease falls and prevent injuries can make some household changes that will improve their safety and give family and caregivers peace of mind.
Home Modifications that Reduce Falls and Decrease Injuries to Seniors
1.
Home Modifications that Reduce Falls and
Decrease Injuries to Seniors
To remain independent, many
seniors find that some basic
changes and improvements can
make all the difference in the
safety of their home. As we age,
our mobility tends to decrease
and we are at risk for falls and
injuries because we are not
always able to do the things we were capable of a few years before. Seniors
that want to decrease falls and prevent injuries can make some household
changes that will improve their safety and give family and caregivers peace
of mind.
Non-slip strips on hardwood floors, outer edges of stairs and in the
bathtub or shower are essential for seniors who have become less agile and
are afraid of falling, especially when walking up and down the stairs or in the
bathroom. Non-slip strips provide important friction that prevents falls, even
in a wet bathtub or shower floor. A slippery floor can be made safe with a
few strips of non-slip material.
Removing lose items on the floor, such as furniture and throw rugs, from
walking paths will help reduce the amount of falls in the home. Throw rugs
can be difficult because they often are a tripping hazard. Although throw
rugs provide warmth to an otherwise cold floor, removing them from the
home or securing them to the floor underneath so that they do not slip and
cause an accident are vital precautions.
Dark areas in the home can dangerous to a senior trying to stay
independent. Hallways and bathrooms should have sufficient lighting to
allow seniors to be able to see where they are going. A well-lit stairway is
the safest way for seniors to climb up and down stairs.
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2.
A light should be within easy reach of the bed with night-lights
placed throughout the house, especially in the hallway and in the bathroom
for nighttime trips to the bathroom. A flashlight in case of a power outage is
a good idea, placed on the nightstand so it is easy to find.
Handrails and grab bars should be installed throughout the home,
anywhere that they would be helpful to a person with reduce mobility. At the
top or bottom of stairwells, as an assist to getting into the shower, and as a
boost to get up off of the bathroom toilet, grab bars are easy to install and
make a big difference in the safety of seniors.
With a few changes, a house can be made safer for the seniors living within.
With less falls and injuries, seniors can remain living healthy, independent
lives longer.
HandyPro of Bergen County | (201) 267-8949|
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