How to Improve Your Home for an Elderly Relative

Do you feel your home isn’t as safe as it could be? Or are you hosting an elderly relative and looking to make positive changes to your home? Either way, this guide can help you to understand the changes you can make, as well as give you some guidance on what you can do to make it safer overall.

Take Note of Your Floor

Start by assessing your current flooring and identifying areas for improvement to enhance safety for your older relatives. For example, if a loved one is experiencing balance issues, replacing certain flooring may be necessary. Switching out hazardous flooring, like slippery tile or hardwood, can significantly increase home safety and ease of mobility. Your loved one’s mobility needs may influence the type of flooring that will suit them best.

Pattern Hazards

When assessing flooring, consider how patterns can pose a hazard for those with impaired vision; solid-color flooring is often safer and reduces trip risks. While you’re at it, secure any rugs to improve overall home safety. But if you observe your loved one experiencing more frequent falls, and if you can’t provide them with the assistance they need, it might be time to gently explore whether a senior living community is what they require to provide them with enhanced safety and support.

Add a Shower Bench

For loved ones who are unsteady on their feet, it might be a good idea to add a shower bench that can add stability and peace of mind for them. This type of upgrade may help your family member to better care for themselves independently, lessen the chances of accidents in the shower, and navigate your home better. While you can look into installing a built-in bench, there are also many stand-alone benches that can be purchased and can work well in many showers; you’ll want to make sure, however, that any option you choose is sturdy, slip-resistant, and made of hardy, waterproof materials.

It’s helpful to always keep in mind that bathrooms can pose significant risks for seniors or anyone experiencing mobility issues. Be sure to prioritize this room by investing in accessibility kits to allow relatives to safely get in and out of the bath. Such valuable investments can prevent serious injuries from happening.

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