Safety can be a concern when your aging loved one wants to remain at home despite having difficulties with balance or mobility. Follow these tips to remove potential hazards so your loved one remains safe at home.

1. Create Space to Reduce Fall Risks

Move anything your loved one could trip over or slip on, including electrical cords, throw rugs, and anything else that could clutter the floor.

If necessary, rearrange the furniture to create clear paths while ensuring there are objects such as the back of a couch that your loved one can brace him or herself on if necessary..

If your loved one has recently, or may soon, transition to using a walker or wheelchair you may need to widen some doorways to accommodate these helpful objects.

2. Brighten Up the Rooms

Turn on every light in the house, and do a walk-through with your loved one to assess how well he or she can see at different times of the day. Install more lighting or upgrade to stronger bulbs anywhere the path isn’t clearly visible.

Place nightlights in every room, and install motion sensors in areas, such as stairwells and entryways, to ensure a light is always on and your loved one doesn’t have to fumble for switches in the dark.

3. Install Bathroom Safety Accessories

A walk-in bathtub lined with a no-slip mat is safer than a traditional bathtub, especially if your loved one has problems with balance.

Shower chairs or benches offer additional support for those who can’t stand for long periods. Install wall-mounted rails in the tub, and invest in a raised toilet seat with arms for safety when sitting down and getting up.

4. Prevent Kitchen Accidents

Ask your loved one which kitchen tools and accessories he or she uses the most, and make these items as easy as possible to access.

Install a rack on which to hang pans for convenience (just be sure it’s not too high), and invest in a sturdy block to store knives.

Make sure heavy items are placed in locations where they can be retrieved without bending or reaching too far.

5. Ensure Safer Entry and Exit

Entryways with steps or ridges are serious trip hazards and should be remodeled to prevent falls. If you can’t remove a stairway, consider installing a ramp or lift chair.

Switching to keyless or interior electronic door locks may also be a good idea if your loved one suffers from dementia. By using a code that your loved one doesn’t know you can reduce the chances of him or her wandering out of the home without assistance.

Taking the right precautions allows seniors to remain at home and enjoy familiar surroundings as they age.

If you’re unable to help your loved one navigate throughout the home during the day, Caring Home Care can help! Our registered home health aides are trained to ensure that your loved one is looked after while you’re not there, leaving you with a sense of peace that your loved one is safe. Learn more today!