As people age and become more vulnerable to falls and injury, it’s important to install adaptive housing features that cater to a safe and secure environment. There are lots of things to consider when remodeling a home for seniors, and anyone who is thinking of undertaking such a project should do extensive research first. Bathroom safety for seniors is just as important as having other safety features, and it can be hard to know exactly where to begin.
One of the first things to think about is preventing falls, because seniors can be seriously injured with just one unlucky slip on the ground. Children of elderly parents will feel much better and have peace of mind knowing that their parents are safe at home, so anyone who has aging family members should look into ways to adapt home features. Keep reading for some tips on how to improve home safety for the older members of any family.
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1. Investing in an emergency call button
This is a great tool for people to wear around their neck when they are walking around the house, and in an emergency if the user falls or can’t get to the phone, they can press the button to call for help. A medical alert system improves safety for the elderly when they are home alone, and it gives peace of mind to family members.
2. Enlarging small print on faucets
This is important for both kitchen and bathroom safety for seniors. There can be disastrous outcomes if someone turns on the piping hot water when they really meant to get cold water, and this can result in burns or other injuries. If the print on any label is too small, including labels on food, medications, cleaning supplies or other toxic items, print out a larger replacement to make sure the senior can see it clearly.
3. Having a sturdy railing for stairs
Seniors often have trouble getting up and down the stairs, but many homes require frequent travel throughout the house and the only way to move around is by taking the stairs. A sturdy railing should be installed, one that can handle lots of weight and provide a reliable support for someone who is traveling on the stairs. If your elderly loved one can’t make it up the stairs on their own, you might want to look into an automatic chair system that can carry them from one floor to another without the exertion and danger of taking the stairs.
4. Installing safe bathroom features
Bathroom safety for seniors should include bathroom fixtures and safety features that lend themselves to modern and functional style and bathroom design. When purchasing bathroom equipment, consider walk in bathtubs with showers, which are intended for people who have limited mobility, and also offer safety rails, seating and other safety features.
5. Covering electrical wires
Anyone who has tripped on an electrical wire or phone cord knows how annoying it can be to fall when you didn’t see it coming. This can be even more dangerous for seniors if they take a hard fall and land on a hip or knee. Lots of medical problems can ensue from a rough fall, so it’s best to avoid this by taping away all wires that could cause someone you love to take a spill on the floor.