As we age, our physical capabilities change and we may no longer have the same mobility we had in our youth. Our homes may no longer feel as safe and accessible as they once did due to bodily changes of this nature. Mobility challenges increase the risk of slips, falls, and difficulty accessing areas of the house with stairs or tight corridors. Fortunately, there are many practical solutions to modify a home environment and create a safe living environment for mobility-impaired seniors. If your loved one suffers injuries in a fall, a personal injury lawyer at Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC may be able to assist your family.
Enhancing Accessibility
One of the most important things you can do to make a home welcoming to someone with a mobility impairment is to prioritize access to key areas of the home. Installing ramps in place of steps provides a smooth transition for walkers and wheelchairs. Sturdy handrails near stairs and along hallways offer stability and support. In some cases, you may consider widening hallways and doorways to create ample space for someone with a mobility impairment. The cost of stairs can also be adjusted according to your budget.
Traditional doorknobs can pose a challenge for some people, so you might replace them with level-style handles. Ensure that pathways are kept clear of furniture, loose rugs, and other forms of clutter that can cause a tumble. If you or a loved one lives in a multi-level home, a home elevator or stair lift can ensure safe access to all floors of the residence.
Modifying the Bathroom
Bathrooms pose a significant risk for slip and fall incidents. Fortunately, with some custom home modifications, you can significantly reduce the risk of an accident. Begin by installing grab bars near the doorway, bathtub, shower, and toilet. These will provide essential support as someone enters and exits the room and uses the appliances. Adding non-slip mats and flooring in the bathroom reduces the chances of someone taking a nasty tumble. A walk-in tub with a handheld showerhead and built-in seats reduces the chances of someone falling while in the shower. Finally, raised toilet seats can make sitting and standing on the toilet significantly easier.
Kitchen Safety Adaptations
Particularly if your loved one lives alone, ensuring they have easy and safe access to the kitchen at all times is vital. Bring frequently used items within easy reach by lowering cabinets and countertops. Consider replacing older appliances with those that have user-friendly features, such as simple controls and easy-to-grip handles. Lever-style faucets may be easier to operate than traditional knobs and stovetops with automatic shut-off features can prevent burns or an accidental gas leak.
Pull-out shelves, lazy Susans, and other accessible storage solutions can help maintain an organized kitchen and make it easier to find commonly used items. Ensuring that there is sufficient lighting in the kitchen can prevent accidents and improve visibility, which is especially important around stovetops and countertops.
General Home Safety Tips
Good lighting is a must throughout the entire residence. Particularly crucial areas are entrances, hallways, and staircases. Dim or nonexistent lighting can lead to a slip-and-fall accident and subsequent injuries. Loose rugs and carpets should be secured with double-sided tape or non-slip backing to prevent tripping. In the event of an accident, make sure there is a clear emergency plan in place. There should be at least one phone conveniently placed in the house. If you believe your loved one would be unable to reach the phone in an emergency, consider medical alert systems for added protection.
Regular maintenance and repairs of nonfunctional appliances are critical to ensure a safe environment. You or another trusted person should visit the residence regularly to check for common hazards. Be sure to fix loose handrails, replace burned-out light bulbs, and address other hazards with specialist assistance as needed.
New technologies can play a significant role in keeping seniors safe in their homes. Smart home devices and monitoring systems can allow you to check on a loved one remotely in real-time. Medical alert systems and fall detection sensors ensure your loved one gets immediate medical assistance if they fall or suffer another emergency.
Creating a Safe Living Space for Mobility-Impaired Seniors
Although it may seem like a daunting task, it is entirely feasible to create a comfortable and safe home for someone with mobility impairments. The most important thing you can do is take proactive measures to reduce the risk of an accident before something does happen. Address your loved one’s needs by altering the layout of the home, adding features to enhance accessibility, and promptly taking care of potential hazards. We hope this article helps you create an amazing home for your loved one!
