When living at home, younger adults and middle-aged people absolutely take for granted that, when they forget their wallet, they can easily run back inside the house, up the stairs, grab it from the bedroom, and head back outside the door.
This is just one in an endless number of examples whereby, as you get older especially for elderly people, simple tasks and daily activities inside the home and outdoors in the backyard can become substantially more difficult.
With this in mind, continue reading to discover a hand-picked selection of helpful home safety tips for older adults and the elderly.
Pay Close Attention to Your Living Room
Far and away the room within your home in which you are likely to spend the most time is your living room and this is why special attention should be given to the space, to ensure the new layout and design better fits your individual needs.
Make sure that any item of furniture, but especially heavy units, is securely fastened to the floor, lower-level tables and footstools are kept pushed back to the walls, and the pets’ cages or beds are arranged in a way that does not impede movement.
Declutter the Space
One of the main differences new residents notice when moving into their new apartment in a thriving senior living community is how much space they have available to go about their daily business.
Now, although senior living apartments are known to be spacious, airy, and well-lit, another reason why these rooms feel so large and welcoming is that clutter on the floor is kept to a minimum.
Removing as many trip hazards as you can detect will go a long way to emulating this clear and easily accessed space in each of your rooms moreover, if you do sometimes trip whilst working in the hall or landing, consider removing rugs and replacing the carpet to a thicker upgraded alternative.
The Stairs!
Unless you are fortunate enough to already reside in a safer and more accessible property, such as a bungalow, it is highly likely that your stairs need a little transformation too.
Investing in high-quality, yet usually more than affordable, nonslip treads to cover each step is strongly advisable, as is installing motion-activated additional lighting both on the stairs and at both ends.
Additionally, you could also consider installing a handrail along one or both sides of the stairway, especially if the steps are on the steep side.
Don’t Forget the Exterior Spaces
Placing just the right amount of time and effort in designing transformed interior living spaces that are far more conducive to you and the rest of your household being able to navigate around the property is essential; however, you should also take a look at the backyard and garden too.
Ensure you store ice in the freezer to cover concrete and pathways in the winter months, install handrails on either side of the garden path and outside the front and back doors, and ensure the paving slabs are even and devoid of cracks.
Read also:
Leave a Reply