Accident-Proofing Your Home: 5 Tips for Senior-Friendly Living Spaces

For senior citizens and loved ones of the elderly hoping to design a safe and comfortable living space, accessibility is the new Feng Shui. Whether you’re the child of an elderly parent who’s planning to move in or a senior citizen who’s ready to give their space a safety makeover, accident-proofing your living area is a must. 

While falls and in-home incidents are common, they aren’t unpreventable. Follow these tips to turn your living space senior-friendly, fast. 

Rearrange your furniture

When it comes to safety for senior citizens who rely on mobility aids, wide-open spaces are a must. If you or your loved one cruises around their home in an upright mobility aid like The Perfect Walker, you’ll need plenty of room to move about the living space. Plan out sizable pathways between furniture pieces to reduce the likelihood of a crash or fall, and consider strategically removing rugs or floor decor that a mobility aid or shuffling foot may catch on to. 

Install bars for grabbing and benches for resting

If moving around the home proves difficult due to mobility challenges or physical impairments, install bars and benches in areas where you or your loved one may need an extra hand. A bench seat placed in the shower can provide an opportunity for safe, independent bathing, and bars around the home designed for grabbing onto in moments of instability can proactively prevent dangerous falls. Consider also safety tubs, which provide easy access for those with mobility issues.

Be mindful of furniture height and size.

While low-to-the-ground beds and chairs may have a certain stylish appeal, short furniture pieces provoke awkward movements and potential injuries. For an individual with limited mobility, the squatting motion necessary to safely lower themselves to a short furniture piece can be painful and difficult. Opt for higher beds and seats that are comfortable and easy to access. 

Don’t let your floors turn into a slip-n-slide

For an elderly dweller with poor stability, slick kitchen or bathroom floors can quickly turn dangerous. Minimize accidents by opting for slip-resistant flooring types like pebble tile or carpet. If reflooring an area isn’t an option, get your hands on a few textured anti-slip mats from a local home renovation store.

Keep your living area well-lit

Strategically place consistently-used furniture by windows or lighting fixtures, and consider installing night-lights that can illuminate walkways if you or your loved one needs a midnight snack or has to use the bathroom. Keep lights that need to be turned on close to beds and chairs so that light is always easily accessible. By improving visibility in the home, you’ll avoid darkness-induced spills and potentially frightening confusion. 

In conclusion 

Knowing that your living space is comfortable and safe for guests and residents of all ages is invaluable. Ensuring that senior areas are up to snuff is the first step in prioritizing sufficient senior care. Once you’ve taken the necessary measures to prevent accidents or injuries, you’ll be ready to enjoy your senior-safe living space and proud to call it home sweet home.