077. Want to senior-proof a home on a budget, on a weekend? Follow these steps!
Fall prevention is key for seniors to keep their independence, but it may feel overwhelming to “senior proof” a home. Thankfully, there are many steps you can take in only one weekend to start yourself (or your loved ones) on a strong path to safety.
Senior Services Expert Lori Williams welcomes back Sydney Hughes, the owner of Senior Proof – a turnkey safety-proofing company for independent seniors or anyone who has suffered an injury. They do everything from small safety enhancements to major construction.
Together, they discuss ways to senior proof a home in one weekend:
- Evaluating safety and “high traction” areas to prioritize
- Making your home brighter / more visible
- Installing safety measures in bathrooms and bedrooms
- Decluttering and organizing the kitchen
And more.
There will likely be multiple phases of making a home fully safe, so recognize that it can be a process of multiple weekends. The important thing is being proactive and getting some easy fixes checked off the list.
Topics:
- Home safety
- Senior proofing
- Fall prevention
- ADA guidelines
- Bathroom/ bedroom railings
- Accessibility
- Decluttering
Takeaways from this episode:
- Did you know that bathrooms are hands-down the most common place where senior falls take place?
- If you’re helping a loved one with their home, be mindful that it’s still their space. It’s important to have a respectful conversation and explain you’re doing it for their safety.
- Some medications can make you dizzy, and pair that with waking up in the middle of the night for the bathroom while drowsy, and it becomes a safety issue. Install motion-sensor lights near the bed or anchor a bed rail along the frame.
- If you ever install bed rails or toilet bars to help you get up or down, make sure they meet ADA guidelines and hold your weight. Anchor them into the wall (no suction cups).
- Declutter and remove anything you don’t use, especially in the kitchen. Keep everything on the lower shelves so you don’t have to stand on stools or chairs and risk falling.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
