Ideas How to "Make Safe" a Home for Seniors

Many adults want to remain at home or live independently while aging. However, mobility and muscle strength tend to decrease as people age making them vulnerable to accidents at home. We love the houses we choose to call home and many residents who live in their homes for 60% of their lifespan. Adding some minor safety precautions within the house can be a valuable addition as we age to avoid any slips or falls. 

Addressing a few basic home safety measures, such as installing handles and removing bulky items from pathways, can be beneficial for making a home a pleasant place to live for the elderly. Let's now discuss senior safety and other fundamental issues related to the topic. 

Why is The Handrail Important in The Stairs?

Most people take the staircase for granted until an issue occurs. We all have tripped on a step no matter if you’re 10 years old or 70 years young, accidents happen. But given that it is among your home's primary architectural features, the stairs demand your attention. Handrails are one of the assets you should consider when modifying or securing your stairs. These support structures allow you to climb the stairs safely without tumbling down. 

Stairs that lack handrails can be risky to anyone, primarily the elderly. For this reason, having handrails support for your stairs is a legal necessity by law. By adhering to these specifications, you're assisting in keeping injuries at bay. Considering that the young and elderly are the primary victims, it's critical to ascertain that your home correlates with building regulations to keep people sharing similar surroundings safely. 

Safety Handrails for the Independent Seniors 

Handrails are an aesthetic addition to your home when being mobile, and help keep independent seniors safe when climbing stairs, steps, and decks. So for the aged, handrails are critical for independent living and thus should be installed in different places than high-risk areas such as stairs. You can mount them on beds, long hallways, bathrooms, etc. 

Attic hand railing, for example, is an excellent way to ensure senior safety. The railing is installed around the opening of the attic ladder to keep you from tumbling down the attic opening or the staircase. The building code recommends that attic hand railings be at least 38 inches above the flooring. This height offers enough barriers for an average-height person. 

Versalift Accessories offers an Attic handrail system that can be installed nearly anywhere in the home. We recommend the access area of your attic or even the overhead garage space. 

Avoid Trips and Fails by Installing Handrails on Your Attic or Around the Overhead Garage Storage Area 

Handrails are required to prevent you from tripping and falling down from your attic or an overhead garage storage area. They provide the necessary leverage for going up and coming down the stairs and attic ladders. 

Handrail Standard Requirements:

Examine the following requirements before installing handrails: 

• The clearance between your handrail gripping surface and the adjoining surface must be at least 1.5 inches. 
• The handrail must permit continuous holding without facing support barriers. 
• The Handrails must be at a steady height atop the stair nosings. Additionally, they should also be visible. 

Safety Moving Boxes 

Moving boxes can pose a more severe threat than you might imagine. It's tedious, and when you add heavy lifting, the loads inside can wind up, causing unexpected injuries. This primarily holds true if you're carrying heaving furniture without seeking professional help. As much as we want to be independent living, we need to remember our limitations as seniors. Please consider the following tips to avoid injuries when carrying moving boxes. 

• Don't overpack. 
• Wrap sharp objects like gardening supplies to avoid protruding from your packed boxes. 
• Dress appropriately and avoid oversized clothes that can comprise your movement. 
• Adhere to the proper lifting guidelines. 
• Avoid lifting more than you can handle. 
• Stay hydrated and eat healthily. 
• Maintain a clear pathway. 
• Have enough sleep. 
• Ask for help when you need it.

Trips and falls can occur to anyone, but the aging adult and elderly are most vulnerable. Luckily, a few basic adjustments can make staying at home an excellent and secure experience for the elderly and those sharing a similar place.