As we age, it gets more difficult to be as mobile as we once were. Joints and muscles become weak, our eyesight gets worse, and our risks of falling or other injury get higher. If you have an aging family member or friend who lives with you or visits often, here are some helpful tips for making your home a safer place for them.
Secure your rugs. Rugs that aren’t secured can bunch up easily and be a significant tripping hazard for people of any age, but specifically those with mobility issues. Ensure that all of the rugs in your home have padding underneath that secure them to the floor to avoid slips and falls.
Install grab bars. It can be tough for seniors to use certain areas of the house, like the bathroom, without added support. Consider adding grab bars to your bathrooms in the bathtub or shower and next to the toilets in order to make it easier for seniors to raise or lower themselves.
De-clutter. This is especially important if you also have young children in your home. Try to keep floors clear and free of toys and playthings so that there is a clear path for your aging family member to travel throughout your home.
Get a ramp. If there are stairs that must be climbed when entering and exiting your home and your aging loved one is wheelchair-bound, wheelchair ramps can be rented or purchased to allow for a smooth transition in and out.
Install a stairlift. Depending on the size and layout of your home, it could be highly beneficial to install a stairlift on main staircases if your aging family member uses multiple floors of the house. Stairlifts are a safe and secure way to travel between floors without risk of slipping, tripping, or falling.
Buy a shower chair. Give your loved one the option of taking seated showers and get a shower chair for them to use while bathing. This makes it easier to relax while washing and prevents slips which are most common in moist areas like the bathroom.
Visit Freedom Mobility. We are a Maryland mobility service dedicated to providing the solutions people need to regain their independence and live the best life possible despite their injuries, medical conditions, or age. Come visit our showroom or contact us today to learn more about our wide range of mobility equipment, including:
- Wheelchairs
- Mobility scooters
- Walkers
- Lift chairs
- Raised toilet seats
- Ramps
- Stairlifts
- Grab bars
…and more!