How to Make a Home Safe for an Elderly Person
To care for an elderly person who lives at home, we have to see the world through their eyes.
Instructions
- Step 1: Replace knobs and faucets Replace standard doorknobs in the home with levers. Switch out hot and cold taps in the bathroom with a single lever faucet.
- Step 2: Stock the pantry Stock the pantry with easy-to-open foods that are easy to reheat. The microwave oven, cups, and utensils should be easy to reach.
- TIP: Keep a clean house -- clutter can be dangerous for the elderly.
- Step 3: Install light switches Install illuminated light switches throughout the home. Add brighter lighting in dark halls and corners, on stairways, and in the foyer.
- Step 4: Confirm alarms work Confirm that smoke alarms work -- install new batteries.
- Step 5: Replace mats and carpets Put non-skid grip mats under carpets, bathmats, and at doorways.
- Step 6: Rework thresholds Rework risen thresholds to eliminate trip zones and provide railings on both sides for stairways inside and out.
- TIP: Remove all glass tops and furniture with points and edges.
- Step 7: Put in grab bars Equip the bathroom with grab bars in the shower and by the toilet. A suctioned rubber mat in the shower helps guard against slips. Add inflatable suctioned wall cushions.
- FACT: Did you know? People over 75 years old have the highest risk of injuries.
You Will Need
- New knobs and faucets
- Stocked foods
- A microwave oven
- Illuminated light switches
- Batteries
- Non-skid mats and carpets
- Hand rails
- Grab bars
- Suctioned rubber mats
- Wall cushions