By E. E. Kane

The day has come; your parents can no longer live alone without help. Whether you hire help in their home or move them into yours, you will need to turn an eye toward their safety in this new season of their lives. Their loss of agility will require a safer home.

Preventing falls is the number one safety priority, even if the elderly person is fairly mobile. Deteriorating eyesight, dizziness and slower reflexes can drastically change the dynamics of a home.
• Secure throw rugs or scatter rugs to slippery floors with double-sided tape, or remove them completely.
• Remove casters from rolling chairs or furniture, or if possible, lock them in place.
• Install handrails for stairs and steps. Handrails should be on both sides, and should be secure.
• Remove or rearrange low furniture, like coffee tables and ottomans, to clear walkways.
• Illuminate stairways and steps. Make them more visible and secure with abrasive strips or employ color to easily distinguish the edge of the tread. Consider installing a ramp that is aesthetically pleasing.
• Replace thresholds that are not flush with floor level.

The bathroom is the most dangerous room in a home, and it is even more so for the elderly. Making it safe can be as simple as installing a handheld shower attachment, grab rails in the shower, tub and next to the toilet, and non-skid mats in the bathtub and on the floor. Lower the water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, or to the low setting, to avoid scalding.

One of the best investments you can make for an elderly person’s safety in the bathroom is to add or replace a bathtub with a walk-in shower, or a bathtub with a hinged door entry. Provide a bench or bath seat, and their bathing can be carried out with much less trouble or danger of falling.

The kitchen requires a little rearranging and possible remodeling. The elderly should be able to reach the items they need without the use of a stepstool. Replace a gas stove with an electric range, and install adequate under-cabinet lighting to prevent cuts or burns that result from dim light. Those who suffer cognitive loss, such as Alzheimer patients, may need further protection. For those situations, lock away appliances and dangerous tools, and put child safety covers on the electrical outlets. Provide automatic shutoff electrical appliances.

Lighting throughout the home should be bright, accessible and prevalent. Put automatic sensor nightlights everywhere – in the bedroom, hallways, and bathroom, and put flashlights in strategic spots for emergency blackouts. Electronic wireless switches make easy work of adding as many light switches as necessary.

Taking care of your aging parents can be time-consuming, and some parents won’t make it easy on their children to make the necessary changes. Although some won’t need drastic measures right away, don’t delay the basics. Endeavor to make their lives easier – and safer – to enjoy the assisted living arrangement years.