Making The Home More Accessible
Your home should be a safe space where you’re comfortable living independently, and its accessibility plays an essential role in that. Understanding the importance of home accessibility and how to make your home more accessible can significantly increase your quality of life and happiness.
Why Is Home Accessibility Important?
A senior falls nearly every second in the United States, and this is one of the leading causes of injuries among seniors. Injuries can range from mild bruising to more severe conditions such as broken bones and concussions.
The majority of falls happen in the home, a place where seniors should feel safe and confident. Unfortunately, many seniors don’t live in fully accessible homes, increasing their risk of falls and injuries.
Tips For An Accessible Home
While you may not be able to prevent every fall, there are things you can do to make your home more accessible, reduce your risk of falls, and improve your safety and confidence at home.
Budget-Friendly Home Accessibility Tips
Home accessibility doesn’t have to mean expensive renovations. Sometimes, you can make a huge difference in your at-home safety with a few small gadgets and organization hacks.
- Keep the floor clear of clutter. One of the most common reasons people fall at home is from tripping over something on the floor. Reduce this risk by clearing clutter off the floor, especially around doorways, entryways, and hallways.
- Install motion-activated lights in your hallways and most used rooms. Bumping into objects in the dark is another common reason people fall or injure themselves at home. Installing lights that turn on once you enter a room or hallway can help you safely navigate your home at night.
- Replace your floor mats and rugs with non-slip options. If a floor mat moves when you step on it, you risk losing your balance and falling. Non-slip rugs stay secure on the floor. They’re especially helpful in the bathroom, where condensation from showers can make things extra slippery.
- Buy a shower chair. Showers get slippery and are one of the most prone places for people to fall. Keep yourself safe in the shower with a shower chair that allows you to stay seated while cleaning yourself.
- Install grab bars in your bathroom. If you have mobility challenges when sitting and standing, consider placing grab bars around your toilet or outside the shower to help you keep your balance as you move throughout the bathroom.
Home Renovations For Home Accessibility
Home accessibility renovations can be expensive. However, even just one of these renovations can significantly improve your at-home safety if it is within your budget.
- Lower your cabinets and counters. Eliminate your need for step stools or reaching for things on your tip-toes by having a professional lower your cabinets and countertops.
- Add a ramp to your home entrance. If you have stairs leading into your home, consider installing a ramp, especially if you use a wheelchair or walker.
- Install a stair seat. A stair seat allows you to ride up your stairs instead of climbing, reducing your risk of falling downstairs.
- Get a walk-in tub. Lifting your legs above a tub to get into your shower can be challenging and cause you to fall. Walk-in tubs and showers allow you to enter your shower or tub without the ledge.
Staying Safe At Home With Visiting Angels
Home accessibility is one of many steps you can take to ensure your safety as you age in place. Another option for increasing your safety is to work with a Visiting Angels caregiver. Our care team provides various nonmedical services to help clients remain independent at home. Services include light housekeeping, medication reminders, mobility assistance, personal grooming, meal preparation, and transportation.
Our Farmington office works with seniors and families throughout Farmington and the surrounding New Mexico areas. You can learn more about how our at-home care can fit into your life by scheduling a complimentary consultation with our care team.