Senior Proofing the Home

When parents bring home a child for the first time, they often take great care to safety proof the home. Why should seniors be any different? Senior proofing the home is a crucial element of caregiving that often goes overlooked when it comes to caring for your loved one. Whether you are senior proofing their home, preparing your house for their stay or purchasing a new place for your loved one, senior proofing the home is a necessary first step for safe and healthy living. 

Though it may sound daunting, there are many cost-effective tools you can implement to ensure that your home is as senior-friendly as possible. Not only will proofing your home keep your loved one safe, but it will also allow them to feel more included in the space they live. 

Most adjustments surround three primary areas: mobility, bathing and rest. Implementing ramps, stair climbers and buffering railings with textured strips can all prevent potential falls and let seniors feel more at home in their space without the added anxiety of getting injured. For this reason, senior proofing the bathroom with the addition of plastic chairs and rubber mats is also key to avoid falling, as the highest potential for injury typically is the bathroom. Further, ensuring that your senior has the ability to access light switches and lift themselves up from the bed in case of emergency is crucial for their safety. 

Overall, there are a number of things you can do to improve the safety of your home. Contact your local office of aging for more information and a potential consultation regarding the best ways to senior proof your home.

Sources & Further Reading:

Jayson, S. (2019, October 28). How to make your home safe for aging parents. AARP. Retrieved September 19, 2021, from https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/home-care/info-2019/safety-tips.html.