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Aging in place is a choice many seniors make to maintain independence, comfort, and familiarity. However, ensuring a safe living environment is essential to prevent potential risks while supporting overall wellbeing. Here are key areas to address when modifying your home for safe senior living.
Address Fall Hazards
Falls are one of the leading causes of injuries among seniors, but many are preventable through simple home modifications.
- Declutter pathways – Ensure walkways are clear of tripping hazards such as loose rugs, electrical cords, or furniture.
- Add nonslip flooring – Use slip-resistant mats or replace slick surfaces with nonslip flooring, especially in bathrooms and kitchens.
- Install grab bars – Place grab bars near stairs, bathrooms, and hallways to provide extra support.
- Increase lighting – Use brighter light bulbs and add nightlights to reduce the risk of tripping due to poor visibility.
Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality homecare. Trust Assisting Hands Home Care to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably.
Make Bathroom Safety Enhancements
The bathroom can be one of the most dangerous rooms in the home for a senior due to its slippery surfaces.
- Walk-in showers or tubs – Replace traditional bathtubs with walk-in versions or opt for curbless showers.
- Shower seats and handheld showerheads – Equip showers with sturdy seats and handheld heads for ease of use.
- Anti-scald devices – Install temperature regulators on faucets to prevent burns from hot water.
- Raised toilet seats – A higher toilet seat can make sitting and standing easier on joints.
Create Mobility-Friendly Spaces
If your loved one’s physical mobility decreases, the home should remain easy to move through.
- Widen doorways – Expand doorframes to accommodate wheelchairs or walkers.
- Install ramps – Replace or complement stairs with ramps for easy entry and exit.
- Rearrange furniture – Ensure there’s ample space to move around furniture and access all areas of essential rooms.
- Make storage accessible – Lower shelving or install pull-out cabinets to prevent the need to overreach or bend.
Hiring a professional caregiver is a good way to ensure your loved one enjoys a high quality of life in the comfort of his or her own home. One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide senior care. Pearland families can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties.
Use Smart Technology for Safety & Convenience
Technology can make a significant difference in keeping your loved one’s living environment safe and manageable.
- Emergency alert systems – Invest in personal emergency response systems that allow your loved one to call for help with the press of a button.
- Smart home features – Voice-activated devices, like smart lights or thermostats, eliminate the need for physical switches or dials.
- Video doorbells – Seniors can see and speak to visitors without needing to open the door.
- Medication reminders – Use smart pill dispensers or apps to ensure medications aren’t missed.
Prioritize Fire & Carbon Monoxide Precautions
Fire and carbon monoxide pose serious risks, but these dangers can be mitigated with proper precautions.
- Smoke and CO detectors – Place detectors on every level of the home and test batteries regularly.
- Fire extinguishers – Keep extinguishers in accessible locations, such as the kitchen or near bedrooms.
- Electric appliance checks – Ensure older appliances and outdated wiring meet modern safety standards.
- Escape plan – Develop and practice an emergency evacuation plan in case of fire.
For many seniors in Pearland, TX, live-in care is an essential component of aging in place safely and comfortably. However, it’s important for them to have caregivers they can trust and rely on. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we extensively screen all of our caregivers and only hire those who have experience in the senior home care industry. Our strict requirements ensure seniors can remain in the comfort of home with a reduced risk of injury or serious illness. To learn about our high-quality in-home care options, give us a call today.
