As people age, they have more health and safety concerns. Even people who are pretty healthy for their age may have conditions that impact their daily lives, and others have more severe health concerns that make daily living challenging.
From serious mental conditions, including dementia, to increased risks of breaking a bone during a slip and fall, the places where seniors live need special considerations to improve safety.
So, if you’re looking to make a living space safer for yourself or others, you may need advice on some simple steps. Luckily, this guide is here with some valuable tips.
Whether you’re a property manager, a loved one, or a senior yourself, these tips can help make apartments safer and more accessible for many seniors.
Tip 1: Add More Lighting
Good lighting can reduce the risk of slips and falls. It’s also an excellent way to deter crime and increase home security measures. If you’re looking to make senior housing as a landlord or want to make some simple upgrades to your home, consider adding motion-detected lights outside. You can also add extra lamps and brighter bulbs to the interior.
Tip 2: Invest In Security Cameras
Along with better lighting, security cameras are an excellent way to protect seniors, along with others in the community. If you’re the property manager, security cameras in hallways or around the property allow you to assist seniors more quickly.
Also, if you’re a senior or a loved one, you can add extra security cameras to the inside of your home. This is particularly a good idea if you’re worried about an older relative and want a way to check if they’ve fallen or had a health issue when you’re gone.
Tip 3: Reduce Trip And Fall Hazards
Trip and fall accidents can cause significant injury to anyone. Still, seniors are more likely to wind up in these situations, especially while going about their daily lives. Whether you’re a family member or friend or looking to make a space safer for a senior, these are some simple ways to help prevent trip and fall injuries:
- Get rid of throw rugs: The edges can get upturned, and even the slight difference in height makes it difficult to see.
- Use orange tape: If there are stairs or even random steps around the house, bright orange or caution tape will make the area much more visible, especially to those with worsening eyesight.
- Add ramps when possible: While homeowners might not have the funds to add a wheelchair ramp, it’s a good idea for accessibility for building owners.
For more tips on preventing slip and fall accidents, check out this article from the AARP.
Tip 4: Make Changes To Bathrooms
Bathrooms are another area where accidents are likely to occur in the home. While this applies across the board, seniors are more susceptible to bathroom injuries. So, it’s essential to make changes to make the bathroom more accessible.
Here are a couple of ways to make bathrooms safer:
- Install handholds: If you need assistance ensuring the handles are secure, contact a professional.
- Consider shower assistance devices: You can also purchase various items that make showering or bathing easier, such as a chair that’s placed inside the wash area.
Making Changes Over Time
Many people only make changes to their home or their loved one’s home when their health is going downhill. Instead of ending up with an emergency, making little adjustments over time as old age progresses is wise.
For those who own or manage buildings, it’s also worth making these changes as it is good for business and the people living there.
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