046. How to senior proof a home on a budget

One out of every 3 seniors over the age of 65 falls in their home, with most falls occurring in the bathroom. If your family member is falling or having trouble getting around at home, but wishes to remain independent, it's critical to make the home safe for them. However, it’s hard to know which products they’ll need, who can install them and how to install them.

Inspired by her experience with her own father, Founder and CEO Sydney Hughes began Senior Proof Inc. to address this gap in the market and alleviate these stresses for caregivers. The business helps with anything that makes independent seniors safer and more comfortable within their home. The team helps install grab bars, wheelchair ramps, walk-in showers, motion sensor lighting around the home, and more measures to enhance overall safety.

In this episode, she shares ideas to make your home safe on a budget. These cost-effective tips are imperative to keeping your loved ones safe and giving family members peace of mind.

Topics discussed:
- Senior safety at home
- Making your home fall-proof
- Grab bars for seniors
- Wheelchair ramps
- Motion-sensor lights
- Home safety on a budget
- Products for senior safety

Takeaways from this episode:
- Senior Proof Inc. offers the guidance of aging-in-place specialists that evaluate the property based on ADA guidelines.
- Not only are walk-in showers safer, but it’s even better to create a slip-resistant surface for added protection.
- One helpful device is a toilet safety rail with armrests on each side and nonslip handles. There are affordable options online.
- If you have your foyer, dining room area or dark hallways, try motion-lighting sensors to illuminate walking paths. Try battery-operated ones for a less costly alternative.
- Many clients install motion-sensor lights in bathrooms because that’s where falls are common, as well as around the bed frame and on the wall on the way to the bathroom.
- Invest in a rail to help you get out of bed. Remember you get what you pay for with bed rails and will need something sturdy.
- For any rails in the home, do your research on weight limits and make sure it’s the right height.
- Threshold ramps in doorways help with smoother wheelchair entry over a doorway.
- “If you don’t use it, you lose it” - stay active even if it’s just walking around your house a few times a day.

Resources mentioned in this episode:
Rust-Oleum Anti-slip spray coat:
https://thd.co/3vLokIQ

Carex toilet safety rail:
https://www.amazon.com/Carex-Support-Adjustable-Assistance-Standing/dp/B00354B818

Motion Sensor Lights:
https://amzn.to/3d7a2Mc

Fall prevention episode with expert Jaque Archer:
https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/792ce4fd/020-a-conversation-about-fall-prevention-with-expert-jacque-archer

Adjustable bed rail:
https://stander.com/product/ez-adjust-bed-rail/

Texas Ramp Project:
https://www.texasramps.org/

Senior Proof Inc:
www.seniorproofinc.com

For more senior resources and to sign up to the newsletter please visit:
https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/