{"id":9128,"date":"2024-06-05T08:00:13","date_gmt":"2024-06-05T12:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/assistinghands.com\/34\/?p=9128"},"modified":"2024-06-06T11:53:54","modified_gmt":"2024-06-06T15:53:54","slug":"how-to-senior-proof-your-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/assistinghands.com\/34\/florida\/palmbeach\/blog\/how-to-senior-proof-your-home\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Senior Proof Your Home to Create a Safer Environment"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"How<\/p>\n

Aging is a natural part of life, and, with it, may come struggles with everyday living. Seniors might not have the mobility, agility, or vision they once had. This can make seemingly simple tasks like bathing and cooking more difficult and unsafe compared to earlier years of their life. It can even cause seniors to suffer from falls and injure themselves.<\/p>\n

While some elderly individuals may choose to live in nursing homes or assisted living facilities, many seniors increasingly prefer to remain at home and age in place. Having worked hard their entire lives to acquire and maintain their homes, these spaces become comfortable, familiar sanctuaries. It is entirely understandable that seniors would wish to stay in their own homes rather than move to an unfamiliar facility. However, it is important for seniors who choose to age in place to be safe and comfortable in their homes.<\/p>\n

Below are some simple tips our experienced caregivers recommend avoiding falls and ensure your senior loved one\u2019s safety and comfort at home.<\/p>\n

1. Organize and Clean Up the Home<\/h2>\n

When a place is messy and cluttered, it becomes unsafe for everyone. Items that are out in the open and in the way become tripping hazards<\/a>. Just one misstep could cause anyone to fall and injure themselves no matter how young or old. Knowing this, an easy way to create a safer home environment is to simply clean the home.<\/p>\n

Remove unnecessary items from the floor and walkways and place them in their proper spot. If these contents do not have somewhere to go, find a place for them so they are not just out in the open. For example, if there are books and newspapers scattered, place books on a shelf, and recycle the newspapers. If there are clothes laying around, place them away in a laundry hamper with other dirty items. Instead of having shoes out in the open, organize them on a shoe rack in the closet.<\/p>\n

Reorganizing furniture can also be helpful to open pathways, making it easier for people to get around the home. Keeping areas like countertops, coffee tables, closets, and cabinets free of clutter and unnecessary items makes it easier and safer for seniors to find items they are looking for. Important items that are used often, such as coats and medications, should be placed near the front of closets and cabinets.<\/p>\n

2. Eliminate Tripping Hazards and Enhance Safety<\/h2>\n

In addition to tidying up the home, eliminate potential tripping hazards. While area rugs and throw rugs can enhance a room’s appearance, they also pose a significant risk for tripping. Prioritize safety over aesthetics by considering their removal. If an elderly loved one insists on keeping these rugs, ensure they are firmly secured with tape or grips.<\/p>\n

The following tips will help eliminate tripping hazards and enhance the safety of the home:<\/p>\n