How to Make Home Safe for Seniors

While revamping a home to make it safe, it’s important to think proactively. Rather than focusing on your loved one’s current condition, consider how things might be after a fall or an extended stay in the hospital. Imagine trying to navigate the home from the confines of a wheelchair. Thinking ahead can save money and stress, so imagine a long-term scenario and be proactive.

Make the Kitchen Safe

As your loved one ages, it becomes more difficult to reach up high, lift heavy pans, and stand for long periods of time.

For many seniors, counters and cabinets can be too high to reach things easily. Lower the height of counters and sinks, and move things where they’re all in easy reach. Microwaves can be more accessible on a microwave cart than in a raised cabinet or at the back of a counter.

It might also be a good time to consider replacing heavy items with lighter ones like skillets and pans. You might also get rid of the glassware and replace it with non-breakables.

Falls Happen in the Bathroom

With or without the assistance of a caregiver, your loved one must be able to use the restroom and bathe safely. Many falls happen in the bathroom around the tub, so start there. Make sure the tub is easy and safe to enter and exit. You might consider replacing a traditional tub with a walk-in tub or shower.

Add safety bars and non-slip strips. A bathtub transfer bench can allow the elderly to sit while carefully lifting each leg into the tub.

Make a Home Safe for Seniors by Boosting Accessibility

Will your loved one need a wheelchair in the days ahead? Add ramps, widen doorways, and install indoor threshold ramps to make it easier to move from one room to another in a wheelchair. Traction tape is another option for seniors needing help walking without slipping.

Add a ramp in the garage. If your loved one likes to work in the yard or garden, install a rail along often traversed paths.

There may be hazards like throw rugs that slip, cords that can be tripped over, and clutter in the way. Check for problems like these often and rearrange things to make them safer.

Make a Home Safe for Seniors by Staying Connected

One of the best ways to help your loved one age in place is to stay connected daily if possible. Finding out that he or she had a minor fall is crucial to preventing major falls alter, but you may not know about it without checking in. Make sure that he or she has an easy-to-use cell phone with accessible chargers around the house and an emergency button.

Customize your methods to make a home safe for seniors based on their specific needs, both now and in the future. Check out our blog post on home safety essentials, which all seniors should have in the home.

Veriguard Home Inspections offers home inspections to northern New Jersey. Contact us to schedule an appointment.

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Clean Your Gutters to Prepare for Fall

Due to a build-up of leaves and debris, homeowners typically clean their gutters twice a year, in spring and in fall. By cleaning your gutters twice a year, you make sure rain and melting snow can freely flow off of your roof and away from your house. Fall is the perfect season for cleaning your gutters to prepare your home for winter weather.

Winterize Outside Faucets

To prepare your home for fall, drain the garden hose, outdoor faucets, and sprinkler systems to preserve them over the winter. Cover any spigots and sprinkler heads with foam insulation to prevent them from freezing. Roll up garden hoses and put them in storage.

Clean Outdoor Items to Prepare Your Home for Fall

To prepare for fall, clean outdoor furniture and add covers to protect it from harsh weather. Remove any fabric pads or cushions and store them inside to extend their life. Outdoor tools should be cleaned and stored out of the elements in a shed, garage, or basement.

Prepare Your Heat Source

One cause of house fires is a fireplace or wood stove that has not been cleaned properly. If your family uses one of these, have your fireplace and chimney cleaned and inspected prior to the arrival of cold weather. Purchase seasoned wood in advance, and place it in a cool, dry area.

If your household is heated by a central heating unit, have your unit inspected by a professional during the fall months. This will provide enough time for repairs prior to winter. This step prevents your heater from malfunctioning at a crucial time.

Seal Your Home

To efficiently heat your home, keep the warm air in and the cold air out. Use weatherstripping to seal cracks around doors and windows. Caulk can also be used to seal off any drafts around pipes. Install door sweeps if they are not already present.

Veriguard Home Inspections provides home inspections in northern New Jersey. Contact us to request our services.

The post 5 Helpful Tips to Prepare Your Home for Fall appeared first on Veriguard Home Inspections.