HOW TO MAKE A
HOME
S E N I O R - F R I E N D LY
(E-BOOK)
1
THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE
HOME FOR RETIREMENT
Home should be a place of rest and relaxation. It should be a place
where you, and your loved ones, feel safe and secure. The startling
reality is, that one-third of all people over the age of 65 will fall this
year. As we age, falling becomes more dangerous for our bodies.
Thankfully, most of these falls take place in the home, where they can
be easily prevented! From cleaning up clutter to installing handrails,
you can make your home senior-friendly with just a few adjustments.
Being aware of what you need to do to modify your environment, will
allow you and your loved ones to live safely at home!
HERE ARE SEVEN WAYS TO CREATE
A SENIOR-FRIENDLY HOME
Lighting
3
Handrails & Grab Bars
4
Cleanliness & Organization
5
In-Home Security
6
Accessibility
7
Flooring
8
Drug Safety
9
Other Tips
10
2
STEP ONE: LIGHT
This may be one of the most important ways that you can make your home more
senior-friendly. A well-lit area will allow you to clearly see your environment and avoid
potential hazards, including pets and pet toys, stairways, spills or even a coffee table.
Proper lighting is one of the best ways to ensure safety at home. Here are some ways
to light up your home:
1. Install glow-in-the-dark light switch covers. It’s
common to get up in the middle of the night to
use the bathroom or grab a glass of water. Making
the light switches easily accessible will take away
the temptation to find your way without finding
the light switch first.
2. Plug in nightlights in the bathrooms, stairways,
and main hallways for night-time use. A lot of falls
happen at night due to stumbling in the dark.
3. Clapper lights are a genius invention that can help
you, or your loved one, light up a room without
even getting out of bed! No need to find the
switch or worry about plugging anything in. You
can purchase clapper lights online or at most
stores that carry household items.
4. Hang up light-weight curtains. They let in natural
light during the day, and reduce glares when the
sun shines in.
5. Place lamps next to the beds and favorite sitting
areas for quick accessibility.
NOW THAT YOUR HOME IS WELL-LIT,
LET’S MOVE ON TO STEP TWO:
ENSURING PROPER HAND SUPPORT
3
STEP TWO: INSTALL
HANDRAILS & GRAB BARS
We are going to say it again: install handrails and grab bars. Even though they may
not be pretty, adding these to your home will increase safety and give extra mobility
to you, or your loved ones. They will increase confidence and add security. So, where
should you place them? We’re glad you asked!
1. Bathrooms are an important place for grab bars. Between showers and
baths, it’s easy for the floor to get slippery. Place grab bars by the toilet, in
the shower, and outside of the shower. When your footing is unstable, it’s
important to have hand railings nearby for added support.
2. Stairways are a major trip hazard and can result in more severe injuries than
on a flat surface. Install handrails – from top to bottom – in all stairways.
Though more expensive, you can also install stairlifts, which take away the
danger of walking up and down stairs completely.
3. Installing handrails in hallways helps with overall stability when walking from
room to room. With proper lighting and a railing to guide you and keep you
stable, you will reduce the chances of falling at anytime of the day.
YOUR NEXT TASK? KEEP
YOUR HOME TIDY!
4
STEP THREE: KEEP THINGS
CLEAN AND ORGANIZED
Cleanliness will help you keep things off the floor and prevent slips and trips. This is
a simple way to lower the risk of falling. The best part? It’s free! All you need is some
innovative thinking, intentionality and a bit of organization.
1. Clean up spills as soon as they happen. It is easy
to slip on a wet surface at any age, but even easier
as we get older. Pay special attention to kitchen
and bathroom areas.
2. Clear hallways of unnecessary items, such as plant
stands, magazine racks, end tables and other
objects that could get in the way.
3. Cords are a major tripping hazard and can get
caught on feet, canes and walkers. Make sure all
phone, computer, alarm clock, and TV cords are
secured and out of all walkways.
4. Be mindful of where everyday items are placed,
and make sure that they are easily accessible and
stored at an appropriate height. For example,
avoid placing dishes on a high shelf or in a low
cabinet. It’s easy to lose balance when you’re on
a step stool or your tippy toes, and bending over
frequently can strain your back and knees.
There’s no place like home.
HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT IN-HOME CARE?
Click this button to request a free in-home consultation with
a nurse to evaluate your home’s safety and care options:
Book A Free Nurse Visit
5
Or call our senior help line today
and ask us anything:
LYNCHBURG : 434.455.6500
ROANOKE: 540.776.3622
STEP FOUR:
IN-HOME SECURITY
Technology is a wonderful thing! Especially when it comes to home safety. There are
lots of tools that seniors who live at home can benefit from. But, no need to research
them. We’ve done that for you!
1. Medical Alert Systems: When an emergency, accident or medical incident occurs, it isn’t
always easy to get to a phone. With the simple press of a button, a medical alert system
will notify first-responders that there is an issue. The button can be worn as a necklace or a
wristband, so that it’s never out of reach. Having accessible help when you need it - at all hours
of the day and night - offers protection while still leaving room for independence.
2. Granny Cameras: Granny Cams can increase safety as well! This product allows for
accountability and gives peace of mind to friends and family. There are lots of options and
upgrades and the cameras don’t have cords, so you can set them up anywhere!
3. General Security Systems: Many seniors and their loved ones are concerned about their
vulnerability to theft. To prevent the risk of burglary, you can install home security systems that
monitor doors and windows; scan for smoke, fire and gas hazards; offer video surveillance; or
even monitor entry-way rooms with motion sensors.
NOW THAT YOUR HOME IS SECURED, LET’S
MAKE SURE IT’S SAFE AND HAZARD FREE.
6
STEP FIVE: MAKE YOUR
HOME ACCESSIBLE
If you can make sure your home is accessible, you have won half the battle. The key is
to eliminate unnecessary obstacles. What does great accessibility look like in your home?
Here’s what we recommend:
1. Install a ramp into the entrance of your home. Whether
you use a wheelchair or not, ramps remove the
challenge of finding steps and proper footing.
2. Try to make the most of a single floor. Going up and
down stairs frequently is tiring, and creates more
opportunities for tripping. The best floorplan for seniors
is one that has a kitchen space, bathroom, bedroom
and living room - all on the same floor. At the very least,
try to make sure that most of the items that you, or your
loved one, use on a daily basis are located on the same
level.
3. Place a stairlift on major stairways. Stairlifts are pricier
than handrails, but create a much safer environment. It
allows for increased mobility and the means to safely
carry items up and down the stairs.
4. Add toilet seat risers to all bathrooms for easy access.
Eliminating the need to bend is vital to keeping you,
and your loved ones, safe. Risers also add another
handrail in the bathroom for extra support.
5. Place shower chairs in bathtubs and walk-in showers.
Showers are, obviously, a very wet place. A chair will
protect against slips and prevent fatigue from standing
for a long period of time.
6. Adult bed rails are another great option. Available in
various sizes and lengths, bed rails prevent falling out of
bed at night.
7
STEP SIX:
ENSURE FIRM
FOOTING
STEP SIX: SECURE ALL
FLOORING
When we say “all,” we mean all! Anything that moves underneath your feet should
either be secured or removed. This means anything - from loose floor boards to
throw rugs and carpet snags.
Here are the main things that you will want to look for:
1. Remove all throw rugs. We know they are beautiful, but they also are extremely dangerous.
Your home décor is not worth the risk of falling or getting injured.
2. Check carpets for snags and bumps, and make sure that they are correctly secured to avoid
slipping.
3. Non-slip strips are your friend! Place them on tile, wood, or linoleum floors as well as on any
steps outside. These surfaces are easy to slide on and can quickly become an unstable area
in your home.
4. Install non-slip mats – on the inside and outside – of your tub and shower. And, tack down
any other bathroom rugs. Wet feet and a wet floor do not mix well. Make sure everything is
going to stay put in one place.
5. Check the transitions from room to room. Even a slight incline or decline in the floor can
cause unstable footing.
6. If you’re heading outdoors, make sure that your walkways and front porch are salted to
remove ice and snow. Try to avoid walking on ice and snow, and if you do, make sure to use
hand-railings, have proper shoes with good tread, and appropriate walking support.
8
STEP SEVEN:
DRUG SAFETY
As we get older, we face more and more health conditions that require medication.
These medications are designed to help you, but if taken irregularly or in improper
dosages, they can be harmful. It is important to be aware of the medications in your
home and always use them properly.
1. Dispose of any old medications. Comb
through your medicine cabinet on a regular
basis to make sure you aren’t taking anything
that has expired. Never take chances after
the expiration date.
2. Review your medications frequently with
your doctor. Ensure they are the right
prescriptions for your needs. If you no longer
need them, get rid of them.
3. Make sure medications are clearly labeled.
You don’t want to mix up your prescriptions
and take the wrong drug at the wrong time
of day.
4. Never borrow prescription drugs from other
people. The doses have been prescribed for
their body – not yours. And, vice versa, do
not give your medications to anyone.
5. Use pill reminders to plan out the week. This
helps keep track of what you have taken,
and when you have taken them, so you don’t
have to second guess or worry about taking
a medication twice.
9
OTHER TIPS
Here are some other tips to help you, or your
loved one, stay safe, happy and healthy at home:
1. Steer clear of slippers and socks. The bottoms tend to be slick and without grips. Try to find a
pair of shoes with rubber soles and good foot support.
2. Install non-glare or incandescent light bulbs to help with glare on glasses and windows. This will
give you better visibility.
3. Keep fire extinguishers on every floor of the house in case of emergency. You never know what
will happen, and it’s better to be prepared.
4. Ladies, we know you love your pretty shoes, but try to avoid heels! Risking instability isn’t worth
the beauty. Plus, you’re beautiful without them!
5. Install door knobs with locks on both sides for easy access in an emergency situations.
6. Use the correct walking tool. Whether it’s a walker or cane, don’t try to get around your home
when you need extra support, you will be happy they are there!
7. Clearly mark appliances, such as stoves and sinks, with brightly colored off/on/hot/cold labels to
avoid the risk of burns/scalding.
8. When possible, bathe with someone in the house. If you need help, you’re not alone!
So there you have it: seven ways to make your home senior-friendly! Whether you, or
your loved one, are ready to start improving in-home safety, starting to plan ahead
and making modifications to the home over time will make the transitions smooth.
Because, let’s face it:
There’s no place like home.
10
SENIOR CARE, FOR YOURSELF OR YOUR
LOVED ONES, DOESN’T HAVE TO BE DAUNTING.
Click the button below to request a free in-home consultation with
a nurse to examine your home’s safety and evalute the best home
care options for your family:
Book A Free Nurse Visit
Have an immediate question? Call our senior help-line
to talk to an expert:
434.455.6500