How to Make a Home Safe for Your Aging Parent

As our family members age, creating a safe and accessible home environment becomes crucial to ensuring their independence and well-being. Many older adults express the desire to “age in place,” but this can pose challenges if the home isn’t designed to accommodate their changing needs.

The U.S. Census Bureau reports that only about 40% of homes in the United States are “aging-ready” with features like a step-free entryway and a first-floor bathroom. Given these statistics, it’s essential to explore home safety modifications that prevent injuries, provide easy access, and ensure comfort for your aging parents.

In this guide, we’ll provide you with expert insights and actionable steps on how to make your parents’ home safer in 2024. From removing trip hazards to installing grab bars, you’ll learn how to create a secure living space for your loved ones to age comfortably and safely.

Why Home Safety for Aging Parents Is Crucial

Falls are the leading cause of injury and hospitalization for seniors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls result in over 3 million emergency room visits for older adults each year, leading to significant physical, emotional, and financial stress.

Moreover, many seniors suffer from mobility challenges that make everyday activities like navigating stairs, using the bathroom, or even walking through their own homes dangerous. For these reasons, making proactive home safety modifications is critical in reducing the risk of falls and ensuring that your aging parent can continue living independently.

Additionally, with advancements in medicine allowing people to live longer, many families are faced with the reality that they must adapt their homes or move aging relatives into safer environments. The National Institute on Aging highlights the importance of making these modifications early, so your parent can remain at home for as long as possible without compromising their safety. You can find more details on their home safety tips for older adults here.

Low-Cost Home Safety Modifications

Fortunately, not all home safety modifications require extensive renovations or large budgets. Some simple, low-cost adjustments can significantly improve the safety of your parent’s home. Below are several modifications you can make with minimal expense and effort:

1. Install Grab Bars in Bathrooms and Stairways

One of the easiest ways to enhance home safety is by installing grab bars in high-risk areas like bathrooms and stairways. Bathrooms are common places for falls, so adding grab bars near the toilet and in the shower can offer extra stability and reduce the risk of accidents.

For more on the importance of grab bars and other low-cost modifications, check out AARP’s guide to home safety for older adults.

2. Apply Nonslip Mats in the Bathroom and Kitchen

Slippery surfaces can be treacherous for older adults, especially in rooms like the kitchen and bathroom. Placing nonslip mats in areas prone to water and moisture will help prevent falls. Ensure that rugs are securely attached to the floor or replaced with rubber-backed mats to reduce the risk of tripping.

3. Remove Area Rugs and Clutter

Loose carpets and area rugs are major tripping hazards for older adults. Removing these rugs, or securing them with non-slip pads, can help reduce the chances of a fall. Additionally, removing excess clutter in hallways and other frequently used areas will further minimize the risks. Keeping walkways clear of furniture and objects is essential for preventing falls.

4. Use a Shower Chair and Handheld Showerhead

A shower chair provides a secure seating option for elderly individuals who have difficulty standing for long periods. Pair it with a handheld showerhead to make bathing easier and safer for your parent. The combination of a sturdy chair and a flexible showerhead can help reduce the risk of slipping and falling while showering.

These small changes, though simple, can significantly improve the safety and accessibility of your parents’ home without breaking the bank.

More Extensive Home Modifications

While some adjustments are simple and low-cost, other situations may require more extensive, and often more expensive, changes to ensure a home is safe and accessible for aging parents. These modifications can dramatically improve the quality of life for older adults and help them stay independent longer.

1. Widening Doorways and Hallways

If your parent uses a walker or wheelchair, narrow doorways and hallways can be a challenge. Consider widening doorways to at least 36 inches to allow for easy access. Hallways should also be wide enough to accommodate mobility devices.

2. Create Zero-Threshold Entryways

Eliminating steps at entrances and exits is another way to enhance accessibility. A zero-threshold entryway allows seniors to move in and out of the home without the need to step up or down, which can be difficult for those with limited mobility. Installing a ramp or platform can also be an effective solution.

3. Relocate Light Switches for Accessibility

Many seniors have difficulty reaching high light switches. Moving switches lower or opting for motion-sensor lights can make it easier for your parent to safely navigate their home, especially at night. This simple modification can prevent accidents caused by fumbling for light switches in the dark.

4. Install Medical Alert Devices

In case of emergencies, medical alert devices are essential. These systems enable seniors to call for help if they fall or need assistance. Some devices include fall detection features, which automatically notify emergency services if a fall is detected.

For more details on these larger home safety modifications and assessments, check out AARP’s guide to preventing falls and making homes safer.

Identifying Fall Hazards and Safety Risks

A key part of making your home safer for an aging parent is conducting a thorough home safety assessment. This involves identifying areas where accidents are most likely to happen, such as stairs, kitchens, bathrooms, and cluttered hallways.

Here are some tips to reduce fall risks:

• Secure loose electrical cords and ensure that they don’t cross walkways.
• Improve lighting in dimly lit areas, particularly around stairs and hallways.
• Make sure area rugs are secured with non-slip padding or removed entirely.
• Mark changes in floor surfaces with bright-colored tape, especially where transitions from wood to tile or carpet occur.

To learn more about fall prevention and how to make your home safer, refer to the National Institute on Aging’s safety tips for older adults here.

At-Home Care Services for Aging Parents

Beyond physical modifications to the home, a home care agency like Home Care Powered by AUAf can provide additional non-medical care at-home care services to make life easier and safer for your aging parent. These services not only reduce the physical strain on seniors but also provide emotional and practical support:

Personal Care Assistance

Basic tasks such as bathing, dressing, and grooming can be difficult for seniors with mobility issues. Personal care assistance helps with these daily needs, maintaining dignity and hygiene without risking injury

Laundry Assistance

Laundry can be physically demanding for seniors, especially if machines are located in hard-to-reach areas like basements. This assistance helps prevent injuries and ensures clean clothes without the risk of accidents.

Medication Reminders & Management

Managing multiple medications can be confusing and overwhelming. Medication management ensures that seniors follow their prescribed treatments, preventing missed doses or dangerous mix-ups, improving overall health.

Companionship Services

Isolation can lead to emotional and physical health issues. Companionship services provide seniors with social interaction, helping to improve mood and reduce loneliness, while also offering support with daily activities.

Meal Preparation

Preparing meals can become challenging due to physical limitations or dietary restrictions. Meal preparation services ensure that your loved one eats nutritious, balanced meals that meet their health needs.

Light Housekeeping

A clean home reduces the risk of falls and creates a more comfortable environment. Light housekeeping services assist with tasks like dusting, vacuuming, and organizing, ensuring a safe, clutter-free living space.

Seeking Professional Help for Home Modifications

While some changes can be made independently, more significant home safety modifications often require the expertise of a professional. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) offers a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation, ensuring that contractors are trained in creating accessible, safe homes for seniors.

Hiring a CAPS-certified contractor can give you peace of mind, knowing that your home modifications are being handled by someone who understands the specific needs of aging adults.

To find a CAPS-certified contractor near you, visit the National Association of Home Builders.

How to Get Financial Assistance for Home Modifications

Home modifications can be expensive, but there are financial resources available to help cover the costs. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer limited coverage for safety-related modifications, such as grab bars and ramps. In addition, there are low-interest loans and grant programs designed to help seniors make necessary adjustments to their homes.

For example, the federal Section 504 Home Repair Program offers grants and loans to low-income seniors for home safety improvements. Habitat for Humanity’s Aging in Place Program also helps low-income seniors with home modifications.

To explore more funding options, check out AARP’s financial resource guide here.

Create a Safe Home for Your Aging Parent with Home Care Powered by AUAF

Making your home safer for your aging parent is essential to help them maintain independence and prevent accidents. By addressing potential hazards and making thoughtful modifications, you ensure your loved one can age in place comfortably. However, in addition to home safety improvements, home care services can further enhancetheir well-being.

Home Care Powered by AUAF is one of the leading agencies for elderly home care in Illinois, serving families throughout the city and surrounding suburbs. With over 30 years of experience, our trained caregivers provide customized care solutions to help seniors maintain their independence at home. Contact us today at 773-274-9262 to learn how we can support your family.