Senior-Proofing the Home is a Wonderful Gift

Simple Changes Make in-Home Navigation Safe for Seniors

Mar 27, 2009 Wendy J Meyeroff

Seniors face a unique set of in-home dangers. Sometimes it takes an outside eye to point them out and correct them.

Stuck for a really great birthday or anniversary present for parents or grandparents? How about Mother's Day, Father's Day, or Grandparent's Day? Whatever the occasion, there’s a perfect present for any older loved one: the gift of a safer environment.

Many older adults, quite rightly, are wary of falling. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF), falls account for something like 1.6 million hip, wrist and spine fractures among seniors annually. It’s estimated that 20% of older adults who fear falling proceed to limit their activities to prevent such falls.

But limiting activities backfires. First, lack of exercise diminishes bone strength (making fractures more likely when falls occur). Staying indoors or alone can also cause depression, isolation, even lack of vitamin D due to minimal sunlight exposure.

Minimizing Risks, Not Activities

That’s why a great gift for any older adult is to find ways to make the home environment safer. It’s often relatively simple, involving easy modifications in household furnishings, lights, and accessories. Unfortunately, the very changes in an older loved one’s physical capabilities (e.g., muscle strength, sight, and reflexes) are the same changes that keep many seniors from making the necessary changes they need around the house. That's one of the best reasons for relatives and neighbors to step in.

In order to make such changes, however, family and friends have to be prepared to deal with a loved one's pride. It's tough enough for seniors to admit they have to make changes, much less ask for help. Don't wait to be asked because more likely than not, you won't be. Observe possible hazards and obstacles and extend the offer to be their arms and legs.

Try These in-Home Safety Measures

There are a wide variety of modifications that can be suggested (and better yet, implemented) by family members. Many cost little (if anything) except your time. Among some ideas:

Rearrange furniture to make clearer walkways, especially if a walker needs to be navigated.
Move heavier objects from lower to middle shelves can prevent strains when a loved one is reaching.
Night lights along hallways can help prevent falls when going to the bathroom late at night.
Clear pathways of electrical cords and other clutter that can cause a fall.
Firmly attach carpets and rugs so they don't slide.
Rearrange furniture so that the home is not an obstacle course.
Provide a raised toilet seat and safety rails for the bathtub and toilet.
Install sturdy handrails on both sizes of the stairway.
Use reflective tape on the front edges of the stairs. Consider other ways to light the stairs like keeping Christmas lights around the banisters.
Keep outdoor steps in good repair and install handrails or ramps if necessary.
Utilize grab bars and a chair in the tub.
Provide adequate indoor and outdoor lighting.

Finally, do NOT totally remove carpeting. It’s sometimes tempting to consider, because carpeting can be an obstacle, catching canes, crutches, and walkers. On the other hand, carpeting provides some cushioning if a loved one does fall, which can be critical in preventing broken bones. Instead, consider replacing shag carpeting with low-pile; shag is more likely to cause the problem.

Consider giving older folks the gift of a safe home. Rearrange furniture, add bathtub safety rails and nightlights, install grab bars, find ways to prevent falls, and take other in-home safety measures that seniors are sure to appreciate.

The copyright of the article Senior-Proofing the Home is a Wonderful Gift in Seniors/Grandparents is owned by Wendy J Meyeroff. Permission to republish Senior-Proofing the Home is a Wonderful Gift in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Conside Reflective Tape on Stairs