As a senior real estate agent with Trinity Team, Jessica Sivers has the privilege of helping clients navigate their next steps in life, especially when it comes to “aging in place.” Aging in place is a choice that many older adults make to remain in their own homes for as long as possible, rather than moving to an assisted living facility or other care options. While this is often the preferred option, it’s important to take the right steps to ensure that the home remains safe, functional, and comfortable as we age.
Here are some important safety tips for seniors who want to age in place:
1. Make the Home Accessible
As we age, mobility challenges can become more common. Simple modifications to the home can make a huge difference. Start by ensuring that the pathways around the house are clear of obstacles, such as rugs or furniture that might cause trips or falls. You can also consider installing handrails in key areas, such as stairways, hallways, and bathrooms. For easy access, you might also want to widen doorways to accommodate walkers or wheelchairs if necessary. Ramps are an excellent alternative to stairs if the senior needs extra support.
2. Install Grab Bars and Non-Slip Mats
The bathroom can be one of the most dangerous areas of the home for seniors. Slippery floors and low visibility can lead to serious falls. Installing grab bars in the shower, next to the toilet, and in other high-risk areas will provide much-needed stability. Additionally, non-slip mats in the bathtub or shower will further reduce the risk of slipping.
3. Upgrade Lighting for Visibility
As vision naturally declines with age, ensuring that your home is well-lit is crucial for avoiding accidents. Install brighter light bulbs or use motion-sensor lighting in hallways and bathrooms for ease of use, especially at night. It’s also a good idea to have nightlights near stairways to reduce the risk of falls in the dark.
4. Simplify Home Management
Technology can play a vital role in aging in place safely. For instance, smart home systems allow you to control lights, locks, and even thermostats from your phone or with voice commands, reducing the need to move around too much. Additionally, medical alert systems can provide peace of mind, allowing seniors to easily reach out for help in the event of an emergency.
5. Keep Essential Items Within Reach
As mobility becomes more difficult, it’s essential to arrange the home so that frequently used items, like medications, phones, and everyday essentials, are easily accessible without needing to bend over or stretch. Consider lowering shelves or using storage solutions that allow seniors to reach items without difficulty.
6. Ensure the Kitchen is Safe and Functional
The kitchen is another area that requires special attention. Keep knives and sharp objects in easily accessible drawers, and use stovetops and ovens with automatic shut-off features to prevent fires. It might also be helpful to replace traditional cabinet knobs with handles that are easier to grip.
7. Regularly Evaluate the Home for Safety Hazards
Once a home has been modified for aging in place, it’s important to conduct regular safety evaluations. For instance, check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms every few months, ensure that fire extinguishers are easy to access, and look for any changes in the environment that could introduce new risks, like loose floorboards or cords.
Conclusion
Aging in place offers many benefits, including independence, comfort, and emotional well-being. By taking small steps to modify the home environment for safety and functionality, seniors can create a living space that will allow them to stay in their homes for years to come. Whether you’re a senior planning to age in place or you’re helping a loved one do so, these tips can help ensure that your home remains a safe and secure place to live. If you ever need advice on how to make your home more age-friendly or are considering a new place that’s better suited to your needs, feel free to reach out – Jessica is here to help!
Jessica Sivers
Broker Associate | SRES® | ABR®
The Trinity Team at KW Preferred Realty
