Senior citizens are a quickly growing part of our population. As the baby boomers age, we find new questions that must be answered. Will the home be safe enough? Or, how will they handle household chores? You can address some of these concerns by making smart upgrades that will increase security and safety for senior citizens.
5 Smart Upgrades for Homes of Senior Citizens
Gutter Guards
Falls are the leading household hazard for seniors. They cause injury or death. Keep seniors off of ladders by installing gutter guards. These guards will keep debris, leaves, and bird nests from clogging the gutters. Therefore, they minimize the need to climb a ladder for maintenance.
Wide Open Spaces
Just as falls from ladders are dangerous, trips inside the home send seniors to the emergency room. Remove overly crowded furniture so that senior citizens can walk through the room without tripping. Because area rugs are a trip hazard, remove them or tack down the edges. Rethinking a room for safety is the easiest DIY project you can do to make the space safer.
Create A Safe Patio
Create a flat, safe patio space. Because the fresh air and sunshine brightens the mood, it’s important that senior citizens have space to spend time outdoors. Make sure patio pavers are flat, concrete isn’t cracked, and grassy areas are free of tripping hazards.
Install Bathroom Grab Bars
Consider the installation of bathroom handrails aka grab bars. Of course, you need these both in the shower and around the commode. This will keep seniors steady on wet, slippery surfaces!
Consider Container Gardening
When the time comes for your senior citizen to give up her large herb garden, think about container gardening. This option allows you to place containers anyplace that’s safely accessible to your loved ones.
Make these easy upgrades to keep your favorite senior safer. Indeed, he will enjoy the comforts of home.
5 Smart Upgrades to Help Senior Citizens Remain Home
senior citizens are a quickly growing part of our population. As the baby boomers age,new questions arise about their safety and well-being at home. One major concern is whether their homes are safe enough for them to age in place comfortably. making smart upgrades to homes can substantially increase security and safety for senior citizens. Here are five smart upgrades that can definitely help senior citizens remain at home:
1. Gutter Guards
Falls are the leading household hazard for seniors, frequently enough resulting in serious injuries or even death. Climbing ladders to clean gutters can be notably dangerous for older adults. Installing gutter guards can help keep leaves and debris out of gutters, reducing the need for seniors to climb ladders and risk falling. This simple upgrade can prevent accidents and provide peace of mind for both seniors and their loved ones.
2. Ramped thresholds
Tripping over thresholds can be a common hazard for seniors, especially those with mobility issues.Installing ramped thresholds throughout the home can make it easier for seniors to move from room to room without worrying about tripping or stumbling. Ramped thresholds are a simple and effective way to improve mobility and reduce the risk of falls for seniors.
3. Motion-Activated Lights
Poor lighting can increase the risk of falls for seniors, especially during nighttime trips to the bathroom or kitchen. Installing motion-activated lights in key areas of the home can provide seniors with sufficient lighting when they need it most. These lights automatically turn on when motion is detected, illuminating the path and reducing the risk of accidents due to poor visibility. motion-activated lights are a convenient and energy-efficient upgrade that can greatly enhance safety at home.
4. Lever-Handled Doorknobs
Customary round doorknobs can be challenging for seniors with arthritis or limited hand strength to grip and turn. Replacing these knobs with lever-handled doorknobs can make it easier for seniors to open and close doors independently. Lever-handled doorknobs require less force to operate and are more ergonomically friendly for older adults. This simple upgrade can improve accessibility and convenience for seniors living at home.
5. Grab Bars in Bathrooms
bathrooms are one of the most common areas for falls among seniors due to wet and slippery surfaces. Installing grab bars in strategic locations, such as near the toilet and in the shower, can provide seniors with added support and stability while performing daily tasks. Grab bars are essential for preventing slips and falls in the bathroom, helping seniors maintain their independence and confidence. These bars shoudl be securely mounted to the wall to ensure they can support the weight of the user.
| Upgrade | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Gutter Guards | Prevents falls from cleaning gutters |
| Ramped Thresholds | Reduces tripping hazards |
| Motion-Activated Lights | Improves visibility and safety |
| Lever-Handled Doorknobs | Enhances accessibility |
| Grab Bars in Bathrooms | Provides stability in wet areas |
by implementing these smart upgrades, you can help senior citizens age in place safely and independently. These simple modifications can make a notable difference in the daily lives of older adults, enabling them to remain at home comfortably for longer periods. Taking proactive steps to enhance the safety and security of seniors’ homes is essential in ensuring their well-being and quality of life as they age.
These upgrades sound like a fantastic way to enhance safety and comfort for our seniors, helping them maintain their independence at home!
Absolutely agree, Tanja! It’s essential to create an environment that prioritizes both comfort and safety, allowing seniors to live more fulfilling lives in their own homes.