It’s holiday time which means that you may be
either visiting or being visited by your parents. This
is a perfect time to assess your parents’ safety and comfort whether in your
home or theirs. I recently gave a presentation at a senior complex and spoke about safety concerns that could be found in
almost every home. That triggered a
lively conversation about the problems these seniors encountered when visiting
their kids: no grab bars in the
bathroom, slippery shower and tub floors, no place to sit down when showering,
steps that
were not clearly delineate, stairs without handrails, or poorly lit hallways or
staircases. Most of those I spoke with said
that they were reluctant to ask their adult kids to make any permanent changes to
their own homes or install any special equipment, etc. I’ve
no doubt that if their kids thought about it, they would be happy to provide
their aging parents with safer, more comfortable surroundings. And truthfully these modifications would benefit everyone in the home. So here’s a simple list. None of these items are costly and all can be
done quickly: 1.
Reduce tripping hazards by removing books, shoes, laundry, and toys from stairs;
ensure there are clear pathways through all rooms 2. Install
handrails on stairs and steps; bright
colored tape can be applied at the edge of steps and stairs to delineate floor
level changes. 3.
Increase the lighting at the top and bottom of the stairs; put bright lights
over all porches and walkways 4. Store frequently used items in easy-to-reach places so that using a
step stool or chair is not necessary. 5.
Small throw rugs are a hazard. Either remove them completely or tape them to
the floor with double stick tape. 6.
Have night lights in the bedroom, hallways and bathrooms. 7.
Apply non-slip strips or non-slip coatings in bathtubs and showers 8.
Install grab bars in showers and tubs 9.
Purchase an inexpensive
shower bench or chair which can be taken in and out of the tub or shower as
required. After all, an
injury from a fall is one the biggest dangers the over-65 population faces and
one that often results in a loss of independence. Implementing the safety measures mentioned above can
substantially reduce the chance of injury to your parents and allow for a safer holiday season for all. Happy Holidays!  Susan LuxenbergPresident HomeSmart LLC |
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