The 5 Most Recommended Safety Upgrades for Seniors Living at Home

As your senior parent gets older, you may start to worry about their safety at home. Many seniors want to live independently for as long as possible. But their home may need a few changes to make that safe.

One thing that all seniors aging in place should have is home care assistance. Home care assistance is recommended for seniors because having a care provider visit regularly has huge physical and mental health benefits for seniors. With home care assistance seniors can live confidently and safely at home.

But home safety matters too, and if your mom or dad is living in the family home that hasn’t been updated in a while there are some safety modifications that can help them avoid falls and accidents.

Whether your senior mom or dad is still independent or already receiving home care assistance, you should make these safety modifications to their home:

Install Grab Bars and Handrails

One of the first upgrades you should consider is adding grab bars and handrails in key areas of the home. These are especially important in the bathroom, where slippery floors can lead to falls. You can install grab bars near the toilet, shower, and bathtub to give your senior more stability. Handrails along stairs or hallways can also help prevent trips and falls.

Even if your senior mom or dad is still fairly steady on their feet, these safety additions can provide extra support when they feel unsteady.

Improve Lighting Throughout the House

Good lighting is crucial for safety, especially if your mom or dad tends to get up in the middle of the night. As people age, their vision tends to decline. This makes it harder to see clearly, especially in low-light situations.

To reduce the risk of falls or other accidents, make sure the house has plenty of lighting. Consider adding brighter bulbs, night lights, and motion-sensor lights in areas like hallways, bathrooms, and bedrooms.

Remove Tripping Hazards

Clutter, loose rugs, and electrical cords are common hazards that can cause your senior parent to trip. Take a close look around the house and remove anything that could lead to a fall. Securing loose carpets, taping down cords, and organizing clutter can make a big difference in preventing accidents.

Install a Medical Alert System

For seniors living at home, a medical alert system is one of the most important safety tools. These devices allow your loved one to call for help in case of an emergency, such as a fall or sudden illness. Some systems include a wearable button, while others can detect when a fall has occurred and automatically alert emergency services.

If your senior already has home care assistance, a medical alert system adds an extra layer of security when caregivers are not present. This is especially important for seniors who spend time alone or have health conditions that put them at risk.

Make the Bathroom Safer

The bathroom is one of the most dangerous places for seniors, as it’s easy to slip on wet surfaces. Beyond adding grab bars, you should consider other bathroom safety upgrades. Non-slip mats in the shower or bathtub, a raised toilet seat, and a shower chair are all excellent ways to make the bathroom safer for your loved one.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Assistance in Amagansett, NY, call the caring staff at Artful Home Care today at (631) 685-5001