Elder-Proofing the Home for Dummies

So, you've reached that stage in life where you're not only worrying about your kids, your job, and your sanity, but now you've added "home safety expert" to your resume because your aging parents have become, well, old. First of all, hats off to you! Secondly, not to be cliche, but you've got this. Here are a few tips to make the process of creating a safe home environment easy.

Constant Worry About Safety

When you're in a constant state of worry about your parents' safety at home, every rug looks like a trip hazard, every staircase a potential danger zone. You've probably caught yourself thinking, "Did they really need that second cup of coffee, or was it just an excuse to play 'The Floor is Lava' with the kitchen tiles?"

Potential Hazards and Risks

The home is full of potential hazards that can turn your parents’ golden years into a series of unfortunate events. From slippery bathroom floors to poor lighting and those darn throw rugs, the risk of falls and injuries is real and scary.

Common Household Hazards

1. Slippery Floors: Bathrooms and kitchens are slip-and-slide zones waiting to happen.

2. Poor Lighting: Dimly lit hallways and staircases are accidents waiting to happen.

3. Clutter: Your dad’s impressive collection of National Geographic magazines from the '80s can be a major trip hazard.

4. Unsecured Rugs: Those decorative rugs can easily become slip 'n' fall traps.

5. Stairs: They’re great for exercise, but not so great for aging knees and hips.

6. Pets: Fido is an indisputable irreplaceable companion, but loose pets can destabilize and trip someone easily.

   
   

Quick Checklist for Home Safety Modifications

Fear not! Creating a safe home environment doesn’t mean turning your house into a sterile hospital ward. With a few smart modifications and mobility assistance tips, you can keep your parents safe and your home looking stylish.

Home Safety Tips

1. Install Grab Bars: Place these in the bathroom near the toilet and shower. They’re not just for show!

2. Non-Slip Mats: Use them in the shower, bathtub, and kitchen. Trust us, they can be life-savers.

3. Adequate Lighting: Brighten up those dark hallways and stairs. Motion-sensor lights are a great option.

4. Declutter: Encourage a nostalgic trip down memory lane while safely storing away the magazine collections.

5. Secure Rugs: Use double-sided tape or rug pads to keep them in place.

6. Stair Safety: Install handrails on both sides of the stairs and ensure steps are in good repair.

   
   

Mobility Assistance Tips

1. Walking Aids: Ensure your parents have access to walking aids like canes or walkers if needed.

2. Accessible Furniture: Choose chairs and beds that are easy for them to get in and out of.

3. Pathway Clearances: Keep pathways clear of obstacles to ensure easy movement around the house.

4. Ramps and Lifts: Consider installing ramps or stairlifts if stairs are a significant obstacle.
   

After implementing these home safety tips, Janet found peace of mind knowing her dad could move around safely. She even caught him boasting about his new grab bars to his friends. No more midnight calls or gutter-cleaning escapades!

Creating a safe home environment for your aging parents doesn’t have to be daunting. With a few thoughtful modifications and armed with a sense of humor, you can ensure their safety and your sanity.

Call Us, We’re Here to Help!

Ready to make your home safer for your aging parents?

📞 Call us at 617-615-9822

💻 Visit NSCM.co

Let’s make this easier for you—and better for your loved one.

Trust us, we’ve got this.