It's been said in the past that up to 1/3 to a 1/2 of all home accidents with elderly folks could be avoided with modifications to the home.
Having an eagle-eye of possible hazards, a little bit of work can go a long way in keeping your elder safe in their own home.
You can improve the chances of your elder remaining safe in their home by simply completing a troubleshooting survey.
Start on the outside and move to the interior of the home.
Look at everything from stairways to bathrooms and the kitchen.
Look for loose treads, broken or loose handles or bumps in the rugs.
If something looks like a potential problem, it likely is.
Get it fixed and you'll be helping to keep you elder safe.
Looking for places to start? Here are 8 tips that will get you headed in the right direction: 1.
Raise or lower the height of your elder's bed to make it easier to get in and out of 2.
Install grab bars next to the bed and in other areas such as the bathroom 3.
Improve the lighting in the home to lower the risk of falling 4.
Talk with your elder about the fate of pets Depending on the pet, they can be the cause of trips and falls if they are at their feet a lot of the time.
5.
Remove all obstacles on floors and counters This includes any bumps in rugs! 6.
Buy and have your elder use an automated pill dispenser 7.
Install turntable shelves in the cabinets Or set up plastic turntables on existing shelving.
8.
Buy a reaching device These are great for getting items off - as well as onto - shelves.