Ensure a safe and accessible home for aging in place with essential safety tips for seniors. Learn how to prevent hazards, improve accessibility, and create a comfortable living environment for long-term independence.
Aging in place (wanting to live independently in one’s home for as long as possible) is becoming increasingly popular among seniors. For some, it’s a personal or financial reason, as moving can be expensive.
Although aging in place can be comforting and allow independence, it also requires careful planning to ensure someone’s living space is safe and accessible. Otherwise, there can be safety risks that may lead to potential injuries or poor mental health.
Here are some home safety tips for seniors to prepare for aging in place.
1. Financial Considerations for Home Modifications
Depending on the modifications, making a home safer for aging in place can be expensive. However, various financial resources are available that may help. Some home modifications, such as installing grab bars or wheelchair ramps, may be covered under Medicaid or the VA for veterans in specific situations.
Additionally, many local and state programs and non-profit organizations offer financial assistance for seniors looking to make their homes more accessible.
Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover most home modifications. However, it can cover patient lifts, which can help transfer or move someone from one place to another. For those with Medicare who are considering supplemental insurance options, Boomer Benefits explains Medigap plans are secondary coverage that can help cover out-of-pocket expenses not covered by traditional Medicare. This can help ease the financial burden of home safety upgrades.
2. Assessing the Home Environment
The first step to creating a safe space is to note the home’s current safety status. You may consider going through each room to see if there are any potential hazards or improvements that can be made. This can be done with the help of a professional or simply with a family member, friend, or caregiver if needed.
Some key areas to focus on include lighting, flooring, doorways, and walkways. By paying attention to these areas, you can ensure good illumination, no tripping hazards, and no tight spaces for equipment like walkers or wheelchairs.
3. Preventing Falls
Falling is one of the leading causes of injuries among seniors. Because of this, reducing the risks that can cause falls should be a top priority. Fortunately, you can make some simple adjustments to help with this.
One good first step is to declutter throughout the home and remove unnecessary items from heavy-traffic areas, such as walkways, to clear paths. Using non-slip pads to ensure that any rugs in the house are slip-proof can also be helpful. Some people even choose to remove rugs altogether to eliminate risk.
More involved renovations can include grab bars in different areas of the home where a senior may need extra support, such as bathrooms or near steps. You can also consider adding motion-sensor lighting to ensure good lighting as much as possible to prevent fumbling in the dark. Others will also install non-slip flooring, if they can, with materials like rubber, cork, or textured tiles.
4. Enhancing Accessibility
You can make several design choices for a senior’s home that make it more functional for people of all ages and abilities.
For example, if possible, consider widening doorways to allow more space for wheelchairs and walkers. Replacing stairs with ramps can also be a good way to make movement easier for seniors. Some people also choose to install adjustable-height surfaces, including counters and sinks.
Changes like these can help make daily activities more manageable and allow for more accessibility.
5. Bathroom Safety Tips
Bathrooms specifically can be a high-risk environment for slips and falls. Fortunately, there are different ways to make them safer.
The most common strategy is to install walk-in tubs or showers. This eliminates the need to step over high edges, reducing the risk of tripping. Adding grab bars near toilets, showers, and tubs can also provide more stability for seniors needing extra support.
Another strategy is to place anti-slip mats in bathrooms. These could be around the sink or in the shower, as well, to reduce slip risks.
Seniors who cannot stand or reach too far can also benefit from having a shower chair and handheld showerhead. These would give them easier access to these amenities and reduce injury risks.
6. Fire and Emergency Preparedness
Emergencies are dangerous for anyone, but especially for seniors who may have more difficulty navigating these situations.
To help prepare for potential emergencies, ensure that all smoke detectors are in working order. If the home has no carbon monoxide detectors, you will want to add those as well.
Keeping fire extinguishers in common areas like the kitchen, living room, and other fire-prone areas can also be a good idea. Some seniors also have wearable medical alert systems for quick access to help in case of emergencies.
Final Thoughts
Aging in place offers seniors the comfort and independence of remaining in their own homes, but it requires thoughtful planning and safety modifications. By addressing common hazards and improving accessibility, seniors can create a home environment that supports their changing needs. With family, caregivers, and professionals, aging in place can be a safe and fulfilling choice.
