Home Safety Checklist For Aging Adults
Keeping your home safe is a priority no matter your age, but it becomes increasingly important for adults who want to age in place independently. To create a safe environment, it can be helpful to follow a checklist. Here are several tasks we recommend Austin seniors complete to ensure their safety and well-being.
Home Safety Steps for Seniors
Create a safe living environment for you and your loved ones by taking care of these home maintenance tasks:
● Upgrade lighting: Install bright, non-glare lighting in all rooms, especially hallways and stairs. We also recommend using nightlights in bedrooms, hallways and bathrooms to prevent tripping in the dark. Make sure switches are easily accessible.
● Assess flooring: Repair any uneven or damaged flooring, and remove or secure area rugs to prevent tripping hazards. It’s also smart to choose non-slip flooring in areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
● Keep stairs safe: Install handrails on both sides of the staircase (and hold on when you go up and down). Also, ensure that stairs are well-lit and free of clutter.
● Prioritize safety in the bathroom: Bathrooms are among the most dangerous places for seniors. Take precautions like installing grab bars, putting down slip mats, using a shower seat and/or transfer bench, and making modifications to your toilet.
● Organize your kitchen: Frequently used items should be within easy reach. The same goes for heavy items. You want to avoid reaching or bending for heavy items or appliances. Non-slip anti-fatigue mats can also provide comfort while cooking or doing kitchen chores.
● Assess overall safety and emergency preparedness: Ensure that smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are installed and working. Have an easily accessible emergency contact list, and consider a medical alert system for added security.
In general, you should strive to keep pathways tidy in your home and clean up any trip hazards such as clutter and loose cords. If the grandkids come to visit, take heed! Regular home maintenance is another important safety best practice for seniors. Keeping the home well-maintained is an easy way to prevent safety hazards.
Contact Us at Golden Home Management
For help with home safety and maintenance needs that are big or small, turn to us. Our monthly subscription service costs $99 per month. It includes monthly visits from your home coordinator (to check on your home and make sure it meets your safety needs) as well as a monthly hour-long visit from a handyman (who can install grab bars, upgrade your toilet, or handle the monthly maintenance for your HVAC system. At no additional cost, we’ll also coordinate any larger project such as replacing your flooring or renovating a bathroom by vetting contractors, getting bids, and ensuring you get what you pay for.
Contact us todayto learn more about Golden Home Management’s services in Austin or schedule a free assessment.