A Clear Path, Doors, Entrances and Walkways
Preventing the elderly from tripping over obstacles in their home is the highest priority health care concern for independent living seniors. This article outlines some home safety tips for preventing falls. The #1 fall safety tip is to provide a clear path, free of obstacles, into and throughout the home.
Falling down stairs is a huge hazard for seniors as balance, strength and endurance declines with age.
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Have handrails put in on both sides of stairways. Ensure the handrails are secure and easy to grip.
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A ramp or lift for wheelchair access into the home or to help a senior navigate the stairs is common. To provide a temporary or short-term solution for access ramps for the disabled consider portable handicap wheelchair ramps.
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Install secure carpets or runners in stairwells and also in hallways to provide traction.
Home safety tips for hallways and doorways help you to create clear, unobstructed openings that a person in a wheelchair or with a cane can pass through easily.
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Ensure that door openings are wide enough for a senior to use a walker or wheelchair. Create entryways and hallways with a 32-inch clearance.
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Ensure that thresholds are level with the floor.
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Install lever handles for all doors as levers are much easier to grasp and turn than door knobs.
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Place a bench near entrances for setting down packages and resting, while looking for keys,to help keep your balance.
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Install a residential Automatic Door Opener for main doors.
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Improve outdoor walkways by painting the edges of outdoor steps, especially steps that are narrow or are a different height than other steps. Paint outside stairs with a mixture of sand and paint to help with traction. Keep walkways clear from debris, snow and ice.
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Improve lighting throughout the home. People require up to 4 times more light as they age. See Low Cost Ways to Improve Lighting in The Home.
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For seniors living alone Elderly Medical Alarms allow a senior to push a button to call for help in case of a fall.
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Exercise regularly to increase body strength, flexibility and improve balance.
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Review all medicines with the doctor or pharmacist (both prescription and over-the-counter) to reduce side effects and interactions. Have your vision checked.
These are some tips for household modifications; see Remove Home Hazards for more information.
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