For aging adults who live independently, adjusting their home environment for reasons of safety or accessibility can feel like an admission of defeat. However, putting off such improvements exposes aging individuals to greater risk of even more serious injuries — the kind that threaten the very self-sufficiency they are protecting. Rather than ignoring the changing needs and capabilities that often come with age, the best way to preserve independence and continue aging in place is to welcome these alterations as a way to stay safely at home.
For caregivers looking to improve the safety of a loved one’s home, the bathroom is a smart place to start. Specifically, the Centers for Disease Control once named the shower as the number-one location of home injuries. Fortunately, a wide spectrum of improvements can increase accessibility in of one of the most hazardous areas of the home. Read on to learn about DIY options for a range of skill levels.
The kitchen and bathroom rank among the most hazardous rooms of the home, yet they are essential to daily life — thus, when considering modifications for yourself or your loved one, these key areas deserve the utmost attention. The following suggestions are just some of the options available. With a better understanding of possible home risks and adjustments, as well as the guidance of an in-home occupational therapist, you can drastically improve not only your loved one’s safety from falls or other injuries, but also his or her independence and quality of life.