Staying Safe at Home: How Seniors Can Age in Place with a Few Changes by Kent Elliot

Safety at home is a major concern for many seniors. As we age, it gets harder to find ways to prevent falls and other accidents, and health or mobility issues may lead to a decline in one’s overall quality of life. Living alone is often discouraged after a certain age, especially if there are physical health problems involved, yet many seniors want nothing more than to live their post-retirement years in their own home rather than in a nursing facility or senior living residence. If you’re a senior who has been thinking about how to age in place safely, there are many things to consider, from your flooring to the bathtub.

The good news is that there are many things you can do to improve the safety of your home and ensure that every day you spend there will be enjoyable and comfortable. Not only will this help you prevent accidents and injury, but it will also give you and your loved ones some peace of mind. Fortunately, many of these changes are affordable and won’t cost an arm and a leg, meaning you can get them done without worrying about your bank account. Below, check out a few of the modifications you can make to your home.

Decluttering

Clutter is easy to accumulate and difficult to eliminate. Sometimes, we don’t even realize how much we have in our homes until we stop and take a look, and the bad news is that it can be detrimental to both our physical and mental health. What’s more, having lots of belongings around in a disorganized way can lead to anxiety or depression. It can also be a trip hazard, which can lead to a fall or other serious injuries. Start the decluttering process by getting organized; add storage solutions, get things off the floor, and move items you no longer want or don’t need every day into a storage unit. You can hire movers to help with the process.

Removing Fall Hazards

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury to senior adults in the US, so it’s important to make sure each room in your home is safe. This means utilizing non-slip mats in the kitchen and removing throw rugs, which can be trip hazards, as well as installing grab bars in the shower and on the wall just outside it. While Original Medicare doesn’t usually cover grab bar installation, many Medicare Advantage plans do. Also, consider changing out a traditional bathtub for a walk-in shower, although this will be a more expensive option that requires outside help. You can hire a local handyman to take on some of these projects, but this can cost up to $1,100 in Houston.

Installing a Ramp

Stairs are not only a fall hazard, but they can also become increasingly difficult to traverse as older individuals deal with joint pain and mobility issues. If you have any steps in front of your home, consider installing a ramp (this usually costs between $1,200 and $2,400) that will help you remain independent; stairs inside the home are a bit trickier, but you can install a chair lift that will help you get up and down in style. You may even qualify for a grant that will help you pay for it; do a little research online to see what kinds of financial assistance are available to you.

Changing Up Your Lifestyle

There are a few changes you can make to your lifestyle that will help you stay healthy and avoid any major issues as you get older. Exercising daily will keep your heart in good shape, whereas eating the right diet can help everything from joint pain to eye health. If you feel that your lifestyle could use a boost, don’t be shy about making some changes. Talk to your doctor first to make sure you’re doing what’s right for your needs.

Staying safe at home is something that takes a lot of consideration and careful planning, but if you want to age in place, it’s essential. Talk to your doctor and loved ones about the best ways to get started, and remember that every change could improve your life for years to come.