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Aging In Place
Safety of our living environment can keep us well and in our homes longer as we age. Push aside the it can never happen to me mentality of our youth and consider the facts. Falls in the home can lead to serious injuries, impacting overall well-being. Fortunately, there are practical steps and modifications that can be implemented to minimize the risk of falls. In this blog, we'll explore a range of strategies and home improvements aimed at creating a safer living space for individuals of all ages.
Home improvements for staying in your home as you age so you can continue to Love where you Live. |  |
Reducing Risk of Falling
Prevention is key. The time to make improvements is before and an incident happens. Handyman JAK can work with you to plan preventative measures. Consider making the need of a walker or wheelchair even for a short recovery easier to manage with wider doorways, grab bars, and lighting.
 | Top 4 Areas to evaluate for your own home or loved one
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1. Improve Lighting:
Brighten Pathways: Ensure that hallways, staircases, and frequently used paths are well-lit to prevent tripping on obstacles or misjudging steps.
Nightlights: Place nightlights in key areas, such as bedrooms, bathrooms, and hallways, to provide illumination during nighttime movements.
Lighting Automation: High tech options for No tech users. (remember the clapper) Lighting in the home has a variety of options for on/off and dimming the lights controlled by motion, voice and remotes.
2. Install Handrails and Grab Bars:
Staircases: Install sturdy handrails on both sides of staircases to assist with balance and support while ascending or descending.
Bathrooms: Secure grab bars near toilets and in the shower or bathtub to enhance stability in areas prone to wet surfaces.
Entries: Sturdy handrails and grab bars for all the entry/exit points for the home including garages, patios and back doors.
3. Declutter Living Spaces:
Remove Tripping Hazards: Keep floors clear of objects other than furniture, small footstools, loose rugs, and electrical cords. A tidy living space reduces the risk of tripping and falling.
Organize Furniture: Arrange furniture to create clear pathways and ensure that high-traffic areas are easily navigable.
Side Tables: Keeping surfaces clear reduces items falling to the floor that can create a trip hazard or fall risk from leaning and reaching to pick it up.
4. Non-Slip Flooring:
Use Rugs with Non-Slip Backing: If rugs are necessary, choose ones with non-slip backing or use double-sided tape to secure them in place.
Consider Non-Slip Flooring: In areas prone to spills or moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms, opt for non-slip flooring options. This can be a tough decision because even rugs with non-slip backing are trip hazards but water or spills are slick too. Use double-sided tape to secure them in place and check frequently for curling corners or loose edges.
5. Proper Footwear:
Wear Sensible Shoes: Encourage the use of supportive, non-skid footwear indoors to provide stable footing.
6. Regular Exercise:
Encourage Healthy Living and Movement |  |
Improve Strength and Balance: Engage in regular exercise routines that focus on strength and balance. This can enhance overall stability and reduce the risk of falls.
Chair Yoga: Chair yoga is a promising form of exercise for older adults. I may help people to exercise without putting pressure on joints. I may also reduce the risk of falling, and help people begin improving their strength and balance.
8. Home Accessibility:
Consider Accessibility Features: For individuals with mobility challenges, consider installing ramps, wider doorways, and other accessibility features to facilitate movement.
9. Smart Home Technology:
 | Using smart technology no longer requires tech savy users |
Smart Sensors: Consider incorporating smart sensors that can detect motion and alert individuals or caregivers in case of an unusual event, such as a fall.
10. Professional Home Assessment:
Occupational Therapists: Seek the expertise of occupational therapists who can conduct a home assessment and provide tailored recommendations for fall prevention.
Home Safety
Creating a safe home environment is a proactive approach to maintaining health and well-being, especially as we age. By implementing these practical measures, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of falls and promote a secure living space for themselves or their loved ones. Whether through organizational strategies, home modifications, or embracing technology, safeguarding the home ensures a greater sense of security and peace of mind for all residents. Contact Handyman JAK for an assessment for yourself or a loved one. Even as we age we need to Love where we Live.
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