Your Home, Your Safety: Essential Steps for Aging in Place
Wondering where to start when it comes to making your home a comfortable and safe space to age in place? Feeling a little overwhelmed by the possibilities? That’s okay. Taking small steps, starting with the rooms you use most often, can make a big difference. To help guide you, we highly recommend downloading the free AARP HomeFit Guide, it is a great resource filled with practical tips and advice.
Is Your Home Safe?
The great thing is, making your home more age-friendly doesn’t usually mean big renovations. Often, it’s about making thoughtful little changes that can make a real difference in your safety and how easily you move around. Resources like ageinplace.org share valuable insights into common areas of concern and practical solutions.
Let’s look at some key spots in your home, using some helpful pointers from AARP’s checklist:
Getting In and Out: Are your walkways and doorways well-lit so you can see clearly? Be careful with loose rugs and uneven spots that can cause a trip. A sturdy handrail by the steps can be a real lifesaver for extra support.
Moving Around Inside: Is your furniture arranged so you have plenty of room to walk without bumping into things? Make sure your pathways are clear. Think about chairs and sofas that are easy to get in and out of and feel stable.
The Heart of the Home (Your Kitchen): Are the things you use most often within easy reach, so you don’t have to stretch or bend too much? Non-slip mats on the floor can help prevent spills from becoming falls. Good lighting makes a difference too. Think about how easy it is to use your appliances and countertops.
Staying Safe in the Bathroom: This is one place where being extra careful is important. Grab bars in the shower and next to the toilet can give you something solid to hold onto. Non-slip mats are a must! And make sure you can easily reach the water controls.
A Peaceful Bedroom: Make sure you have a clear path to your bed, especially at night. Having a lamp close by or a night light means you don’t have to walk in the dark.
Taking Things One Step at a Time:
Don’t feel like you have to do everything at once! Making these small investments in your home isn’t just about safety, it’s about keeping your independence and enjoying your own space for many years to come. By taking a little action now, you’re creating a home that will support your well-being and let you stay comfortable and confident.
If you’d like some advice on where to begin our team is here to help. As Certified Seniors Real Estate Specialists, we know the resources available to help you age in place comfortably and securely. Give us a call for a free consultation, we’re happy to talk about your needs and how we can support your goals for staying in the home you love.
