When a person advances in age they may start to experience limited mobility and, while getting around their home may have been no problem in the past, it may present a challenge now. What are some ways you can assist your elderly loved ones with limited mobility, to get around their home without being at risk of an accident?
It may be a good idea to first walk through the home and think about the areas that could present a problem for someone who has difficulty walking. The bathroom is one of the most high-risk areas in the home where slipping or falling is very common. Make sure that the bathroom has plenty of grab bars as well as anti-slip mats both inside and outside the shower or tub.
Stairs are another very high-risk area for slipping and falling. Handrails should be very sturdy and fitted to both sides of the stairs. If the stairs are fitted with carpeting, check that it is not coming loose in any areas (this is important for any carpeted areas) If there are rugs throughout the home it’s also important to ensure they have a good rubber backing and will not move easily.
Another tripping hazard is corded appliances. If cords are stretching across walk through areas of the home or have been covered over with rugs, etc. they can be extremely dangerous, not just as a tripping hazard but also as a fire risk. It is best to fix any electrical cords against walls so that they are out of harm’s way. If this is not possible, it might be better to rearrange the furniture so that any electrical appliances are near an outlet.
Many injuries are reported each year because of an accident that took place within the home of a person with limited mobility. Looking for ways to minimize the risk of those accidents will go a long way to keeping our elderly loved ones safe.
