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Staying safely at home in post-retirement can be challenging. As eyesight fades, mobility decreases and memory lapses, familiar surroundings can become a hazard.

Perform a safety assessment with your elderly loved one to identify hazards. Start by walking through the house together, identifying areas that need improvement or a change.

Make the Floors Slip-Resistant

One of the biggest dangers for elderly people in their homes is falls, which can result in fractured bones and other serious injuries. Slip-resistant flooring is an essential safety feature.

In addition to a non-slip surface, the best floors for seniors offer cushioning that reduces the impact of a fall. They should also be easy to walk on, especially for someone using a walker or wheelchair.

Another safety improvement is adding motion-sensitive or night lights in areas where people often go. This can help prevent accidents caused by tripping over cords or other items on the floor at night.

Install a Raised Toilet Seat

A raised toilet seat is a great investment for anyone who suffers from lower body weakness or balance issues. This simple bathroom modification can help reduce falls caused by struggling to lower or rise from the toilet.

Other safety measures to consider include removing area rugs, which can easily trip people on wheelchairs and walkers. Keeping garages tidy is also important as tools, firewood and garden equipment can pose a threat to an elderly person’s safety. Also, make sure that doors and thresholds are low enough to be safely navigated by a person using a wheelchair or walker.

Make the Stairs Slip-Resistant





Climbing stairs requires adequate dynamic balance, vision, and strength to safely negotiate. When these systems are compromised, stair negotiation can become very dangerous for older adults.

Ensure all steps have sufficient lighting to allow for clear visibility. medic alert nz tracker for dementia sufferers If the stairs have a carpeting, make sure that it is tightly secured and not sagging or creating tripping hazards. If the stairs do not have handrails, consider installing them for your elderly loved one’s safety. Handrails should be placed on both sides of the stairs and extend far enough to prevent the need to hold onto another object.

Make the Kitchen Well-Lit

Lighting is one of the key features to consider when making a home safe for an elderly person. A poorly lit home can lead to tripping and falling accidents, which are common for seniors. Make sure there’s adequate task lighting over stovetops, counters and sinks.

Also, be sure to take a pass through each room and check that light switches are free from obstructions and easy to reach. Also, you can replace knobs on cabinets and drawers with levers or pulls. This can reduce a senior’s need to use a step stool or other unstable device.

Install a Fire Extinguisher

The good news is that your elderly parents can live safely at home with a few simple changes. For example, you can move furniture so that they can get around easily and ensure that light switches are accessible by mounting them no higher than 48 inches from the floor and replacing toggle switches with rocker-type ones.

Installing a fire extinguisher is another important safety measure to take. Find a location in the kitchen, garage or workshop that isn’t blocked by equipment or coats. Mount the extinguisher so that its top handle is no more than five feet above the ground.

Make the Bedroom Slip-Resistant

Often, senior falls happen in the bedroom. Using non-slip mats for the floor can prevent slips and accidents during bathing or standing up. Installing a shower chair is also a good idea to reduce the risk of falling during bathing.

Consider getting a safety alert system for your elderly loved ones to help them call for emergency assistance. medical alert devices for seniors You may also want to install a nightlight in the bedroom to make it easier for them to navigate at night.

Examine all the doors to ensure that they can easily be opened by a wheelchair or walker. You should also make sure that furniture is at an appropriate height so that your elderly loved ones don't have to bend or reach too far when they want to use something.

Make the Walkways Slip-Resistant

Falls are one of the biggest risks in a senior's home, and they can decrease a person's quality of life. To reduce this risk, evaluate the home for trip hazards. For example, raised flooring between rooms can be difficult to cross with a walker or wheelchair. Ask a contractor to flatten thresholds and add ramps where necessary.

In addition, reposition or remove furniture that can block hallways, stairs and other areas. Also, check the rating on extension cords and consider replacing them with ones of a higher wattage or ampere rating.