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The home can be a dangerous place for seniors when it isn’t adequately prepared, as the elderly are more likely to trip and fall. Unfortunately, these injuries take longer to recover as people age. However, the home can be safety proofed and these simple precautions can make a huge difference in ensuring your loved one’s safety.

Bedrooms, the living room, and the dining room can all be safety proofed in a similar manner.

o Tape rugs and loose carpets to the ground. This prevents seniors from tripping on turned-up corners or scrunched rugs.
o Install railings that extend beyond the first and last steps on both sides of the staircase. Make sure the railing can hold a person’s entire body weight without breaking; a carpenter can check this for you and make any necessary adjustments.
o Cover sharp corners on tables and countertops. This will prevent seniors from getting cut if they do happen to fall.
o Secure electric cords to the wall or run them under rugs so no one trips.

Bathrooms need some specific work in order to be as safe as possible.

o Place no-slip rugs near the toilet, sink, and shower to help prevent falls.
o A raised toilet seat can help seniors sit down and get off the toilet seat with ease. Adding bars on both sides of the toilet is also beneficial.
o Installing a grab bar in the shower can provide valuable stability. A shower seat is also useful, especially if long showers are enjoyed.
o Shower doors that are made of glass should be labeled with bright tape or decals. This will prevent anyone from stepping through the door because it wasn’t seen.
o Label the hot water faucet or paint it red to avoid scalding.

The kitchen can be very dangerous if the proper precautions aren’t taken.

o All appliances must be in good working order. If they aren’t, it is time to buy new ones or hire a repairman.
o Make sure there is adequate lighting, especially around the cutting board.
o Be sure that the smoke detector has fresh batteries. If it is particularly old, you may want to purchase a new one.
o Place all appliances at waist height so seniors do not have to struggle to reach something that is placed particularly high or low.

Safety proofing the home is one of the most thoughtful things you can do for en elderly friend or family member; it is also essential. Grab a friend and you’ll be surprised by how much you can accomplish in an afternoon or two.