March 13, 2020

Handy Tips for Making Your Home Accessible

About Brookdale Senior Living

Grandfather playing chess with granddaughter outside

If you’ve got an older adult in your life that you love, there’s a chance they’ll be paying you a visit every once in a while. When they do, you’ll want to make sure your home is warm and welcoming — but practical and accessible, too. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries in older Americans. But how should you go about making your home safer for a senior? It’s not as difficult as you may think. From upgrading your lighting to decluttering your space, some of these tips may even make your own life a little easier.

Start Outdoors

It’s easy to miss out on all the potential hazards outside of your home, but simple things like cracked or uneven pathways can pose a risk. And while that pile of leaves might not get in your way, it can be a major obstacle for an older adult. To avoid this, clear all pathways, and where possible, make sure all stairways have arm rails and ramps installed.

Tidy Up

No one likes a messy home, but your senior house guest might be especially inconvenienced by the clutter. If they use a walker or a wheelchair, clear the floors, tape down loose cords and secure all rugs — you want to give them room to get around the space as freely as possible.

Bring In More Light

Lighting is everything in a home. Bright, natural light creates a refreshing environment, but also helps older adults see in dimly lit areas. Alternate forms of light like lamps, nightlights and light strips are great ways to add extra light, too. They help create extra visibility for moving around at night or on darker days.

Secure the Stairs

Stairs can be tricky for older adults. Ideally, provide them a bedroom on the main floor with bathroom, living room and kitchen access during their stay. If that’s not possible and all bedrooms are upstairs, make sure stairways are clear and have sturdy railings. For added security, add contrast strips to make each step more visible.

Build a Better Bathroom

Bathrooms are a prime spot for slip-and-falls. Help your guest avoid this by installing grab bars next to the toilet and in the bath or shower. As extra considerations, add non-slip strips, a shower seat and an adjustable-height shower head for an easier, more comfortable shower experience.

Within Arm’s Reach

For your senior house guest, all necessities should be in view and at a good height for reaching. Clear an easily accessible space for their toiletries, clothes and other personal items. When it comes to furniture, make sure your guest can access beds and chairs easily — they shouldn’t be too high or too low.

Want more tips on making your home accessible for an older adult? Download our Safety First guide or give us a call today!

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