As we age, home may not be the safest place, especially if we live alone, moving into a Senior Living Community takes time and planning, so we will need to consider taking steps to ensure our safety while we seek out alternatives. Here are some basic areas to consider.
- Older Americans prefer to age in place: Most U.S. adults over 50 want to stay in their current homes as long as possible, but only a few homes are aging-ready with features like step-free entryways and accessible bathrooms.
- Simple and inexpensive adjustments can prevent falls: Falls are a major health hazard for older adults, causing many injuries and deaths. Some easy ways to reduce fall risk include having a secure area for pets, adding sensor lights, and avoiding changes in floor surfaces. Bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchens, outdoor spaces, and other living areas can be modified with grab bars, nonskid mats, night lights, and other safety features.
- Products designed for individuals with disabilities can improve safety and accessibility in bathrooms: Bathrooms pose a significant risk of fall accidents due to slick, wet surfaces, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or disabilities. Traditional bathtubs, showers, and toilets can be difficult and dangerous to use, which can further increase the risk of falls and injuries. Installing products such as walk-in tubs, curbless showers, and raised-height toilets can greatly improve safety and accessibility in a bathroom.
- Grab bars provide a sturdy and secure support system for individuals with mobility limitations: For individuals with mobility limitations, simple tasks like standing up or sitting down can be challenging and increase the risk of falls. This is especially true in areas like the bathroom or near stairs, where slick surfaces or uneven terrain can cause accidents. Installing grab bars in various areas of the home can provide a sturdy and secure support system for individuals with mobility limitations, allowing them to perform daily tasks with confidence and ease.
- Widening doorways can improve accessibility and independence for individuals using mobility aids: Individuals using mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers may face difficulty moving through doorways due to narrow passages. This can limit their independence and create a potential safety hazard. Widening doorways can be an effective solution for improving accessibility and independence. This modification may require removing door frames or adjusting wall placement to create a wider opening. It may also require the installation of a new, wider door.
- Threshold modifications can reduce the risk of falls and pose challenges for those with limited mobility or disabilities: Uneven floor surfaces can increase the risk of falls and pose challenges for those with limited mobility or disabilities. Thresholds, in particular, can be difficult to navigate for disabled individuals. Sudden changes in flooring types, such as transitioning from carpet to hardwood floors, can also create tripping hazards. One solution is to install threshold ramps or plates to provide a smooth transition between rooms. Another option is to remove the threshold and create a level transition between rooms.