Nearly 79 million adults live in a shared household, with many parents relying on their full-grown children for senior care. Individuals over 65 typically have unique needs, as decreased mobility and reaction time abilities affect their safety. If you currently care for a loved one, here's how you can prepare the house to prevent accidents.

How to Make Your Home Safe for Seniors

1. Eliminate Fall Hazards

Falls are the leading cause of injury for adults 65 and older. They can occur due to various reasons, including exposed electrical cords, poor carpeting on stairs, and loose handrails. The edges of a throw rug can also cause a senior to trip, while clutter makes navigating throughout the home difficult. 

Remove potential hazards by hiding cords behind furnishings, storing rugs, and keeping the home clean. Leaving the floors clear will provide them with easy pathways around the house, protecting them from harm. Additionally, check that your carpeting and handrails are in good condition and replace them if needed.

2. Increase Bathroom Safety 

Older adults often get injured in bathrooms since the moisture from the sink, shower, or tub can make surfaces slippery. Fortunately, a few senior care measures will help make the space safer for them. 

Accommodate your loved one by placing non-slip bath mats and installing grab bars in and near the shower, tub, and toilet. You can also add a chair and handheld showerhead to help your parent have more autonomy while bathing. For more substantial alterations, make the room wheelchair accessible and install a curbless shower for easy access. 

3. Create a Well-Lit Environment 

Lighting significantly affects safety for older individuals with age-related visual impairment. If they can't see well, it'll be harder for them to move around the home safely. With the proper illumination, you can help prevent harmful accidents. 

Stairs, hallways, walkways, and bathrooms are some of the most dangerous areas for seniors. If there isn't enough illumination around these sites, add additional lighting fixtures in dark corners. As for outdoor spaces, install motion sensors or landscape lighting to increase nighttime protection. 

If you need help providing senior care for your beloved parent, contact COMPASS Homecare in Anchorage, AK. They offer quality personal care so you can have more flexibility while your loved one remains comfortable and safe in their home. Their compassionate team of caregivers provides a wide range of services, including cleaning, cooking, laundry, and hands-on assistance with grooming and eating. Learn more about the support they offer by visiting the website or calling (907) 276-6960.