What is a home? For most of us,it is a place of comfort and peace where you have raised a family, celebrated holidays and birthdays. But most homes have obstacles that need attention in order to keep our seniors safe and independent as long as possible.
For seniors, the risk of falls in our homes is serious. Statistics Canada reports that in recent years, 63% of senior injuries were the results of falls.
Here are a few ways to make our homes safer for seniors:
- Pay special attention to flooring, replace any cracked or uneven flooring. Get rid of any loose carpeting or throw rugs.
- Install motion sensor lights, both outside and inside; these are an inexpensive way to always have light.
- Simple handrails should be on all stairs, whether out- side or inside.
- In the kitchen, eliminate the risk of scalding with hands-free faucets. Stove sensors should be a must for forgetful seniors.
- Stair lifts can be an inexpensive option as compared to moving.
- In the bathroom, look into cutting out the side of an older bathtub to lower the step-in from 15 to 6 inches. These are only a few of many possible modifications.
Consult a knowledgeable professional who can guide you through this important process of making your home as safe as possible.