Our goal as elder care advisors are to help seniors find appropriate housing and care. If a senior has the mental and physical capacity to be able to remain at home, their existing home can usually be modified to make it a safer environment for them. Here are some ideas that can be implemented easily or for a nominal fee:
Stairs
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Add handrails to both sides of any steps or staircases
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Mount non-slip tape on wooden steps
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Place nightlights or automatic lights to illuminate stairs
Lighting
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Increase light bulb wattage to create a brighter environment
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Install automatic lights in bathrooms, closets and hallways
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Place nightlights in hallways, staircases, and bathrooms
Flooring
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Remove area rugs or secure them with adhesive
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Consider replacing high-pile carpeting with low-pile solid-color carpeting
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Mount non-slip tape on slippery surfaces such as entryways and kitchen floors
Furnishings
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Remove unnecessary furniture to create wide open spaces
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Be sure furniture is heavy and steady enough to withstand leaning on
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Add one-inch blocks to the rear legs of chairs and sofas to make it easier for the senior to get up
General safety
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Gather up and secure electrical cords
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Place decals or colorful tape on sliding glass doors or large windows
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Be sure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working order
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Consider a pendant system which will alert emergency personnel if the button is pressed
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Replace door knobs with lever-style handles
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Add tennis balls or rubber tips to the feet of walkers or canes
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Make sure there is a telephone available in several areas of the house
Bathroom
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Install sturdy grab bars in the bathroom – in the shower and next to the toilet
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Install shelving to keep needed items at arm’s reach, rather than too high or too low
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Mount non-slip in bathtubs and showers
Kitchen
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Make sure fire extinguishers are within easy reach, in good working order, and the senior knows how to use them
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Keep needed items on shelves that are easily reachable