If your loved ones are getting older, and you have made the decision to have one or more of them come and live with you, then you probably have a lot to think about and a lot of planning to do, already. But, you know what? You should not neglect the safety aspect of this big life change. Older people have different needs, and if you want to keep your loved one safe, there are a few changes around the home you should probably make…
1. Clear the Decks
First things first, channel your inner Marie Kondo and get rid of that random clutter. You know—the extra chairs you “liberated” from your neighbour’s bin, the leaning tower of ancient magazines, and the dusty treadmill that now serves as a coat rack. Less is more when you’re accommodating someone with mobility concerns. Make wide-open pathways so there’s plenty of space to manoeuvre a walker, scooter, or the occasional family pet that might wander underfoot. Plus, you’ll finally have a chance to show off that gorgeous laminate flooring you’ve been hiding for years.
2. Let There Be Light (and Loads of It)
A single, dimly lit lightbulb dangling from the ceiling is about as welcoming as a haunted mansion on Halloween. Upgrade your lighting game! Swap out old bulbs for brighter, energy-efficient LEDs, add a couple of strategically placed lamps, and think about installing motion-sensor night lights in corridors. Your loved one will appreciate not having to stumble through the hallway like a stealthy ninja at 2 a.m. looking for the loo.
3. Slip-Proof Flooring
You don’t want your loved one living in a real-life slapstick comedy. If you’ve got slippery surfaces, do yourself (and them) a favour by adding no-slip mats or textured strips in high-risk zones, like the kitchen and bathroom. That plush rug you found on sale? Make sure it’s got a non-skid backing—or wave it goodbye. Trip hazards are the number one culprit behind those dreaded hospital visits, and none of us want that.
4. Do Something About the Stairs
Stairs are the arch-nemesis of older knees and arthritic hips. If you’re lucky enough to have a single-story home, skip this bit and go make yourself a cuppa. For the rest of us, make sure railings on both sides of the staircase are sturdy. Think about extra lighting on each step, and if your budget allows, consider a stairlift—just resist the temptation to ride it like a roller coaster (unless no one’s watching, then go for it).
5. Grab Bars & Walk-In Wonder
The bathroom is notoriously treacherous for slips and falls. Installing grab bars near the toilet and in the shower can be a game-changer. Think of them like little metal lifeguards, always on duty. If you really want to impress, upgrade to a walk-in shower or bathtub with a built-in seat so your loved one can bathe without executing a Cirque du Soleil routine. And don’t forget non-slip mats—wet feet plus slick tiles equals an unplanned trip to A&E.
6. The Kitchen Conundrum
Time to face the fact that your overhead cupboards rival the Tower of London in height. Older shoulders may struggle with acrobatics just to grab a plate. Think about reorganising items so regularly used dishes and ingredients are within easy reach. If you can’t alter the cupboard heights, consider pull-down shelving or simple wire baskets at countertop level. Bonus points if you label drawers and cupboards. Yes, it might feel like an episode of Home Edit, but at least no one’s rummaging for half an hour to find the sugar bowl.
7. Emergency Call Button in Case of Falls
Now for the pièce de résistance: installing an emergency call button in case of falls. Trust me, this gadget can be a life-saver (literally) and provide peace of mind for everyone involved. Whether it’s a wearable pendant or a button placed in crucial spots around the house, this device ensures help is never more than a click away. Think of it as the bat-signal for seniors—minus the pointy-eared vigilante. It’s a modern must-have that really takes the worry out of everyday living.
8. The Cosy Factor
Finally, remember that your home isn’t just a fortress against slips and tumbles; it’s a place of comfort. Brighten it up with family photos, cheerful cushions, and maybe a soft throw blanket or two. Make room for your loved one’s personal items and favourite knick-knacks—no matter how questionable their décor taste might be. Introduce plants for a bit of greenery (though maybe stick to low-maintenance varieties if you don’t fancy becoming the official houseplant nurse). A cosy environment can do wonders for mood and well-being.
For your peace of mind, and theirs, make your space as safe as…well, houses!
