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Ways to Make a Home Safe for an Older Relative
Living with extended family can create a fun and loving atmosphere, but it's important to keep in mind older residents can require more supervision, caution and protection. Here are some ways to make a home safe for an older relative.
Remove Tripping Hazards
One of the main issues older relatives must avoid in homes is the presence of tripping hazards. Since older individuals have a more difficult time getting up, tripping over something or falling can be a serious risk. Not to mention, the injuries they sustain may be more severe than those a younger or healthier individual may experience. Therefore, it’s necessary to remove all tripping hazards as soon as possible.
Some safety hazards you should eliminate:
- Throw rugs
- Area rugs
- Footrests
- Ottomans
- Other barriers
It’s also a good idea to add nonskid treads on slippery stairs or pathways to reduce the risk of falling.
Alter Rooms for Easier Accessibility
After you take care of tripping hazards, make room alterations to improve accessibility.
Spaces you should pay attention to include:
- Bathrooms
- Kitchen
- Living area
- Bedrooms
Install grab bars, higher toilet seats and shower seats in bathrooms for easier functionality. Similarly, rearrange furniture, cabinets and other items your relative might bump into and potentially injure themselves with. While it might take some work and time, your home will eventually be safe for your older loved ones.
Keep Emergency Numbers On Hand
Last but not least, make a home safer for older relatives by keeping emergency numbers on hand. Emergency response can be your greatest asset when living with an older person or someone who might require medical supervision. Fortunately, there are a few ways to ensure speedy medical responses when needed. Consider a home or mobile medical alert system for fast coverage. Some medical alerts even come with fall detection, which signals first-responders in real-time and reduces response times.