5 Simple Ways to Make Your Home Safer Today

By Kerry Sholtes, Senior Transition Specailist | Realtor

For many older adults in Westmoreland County and throughout Western Pennsylvania, staying in the home they love for as long as possible is an important goal. The good news is that making a home safer and easier to navigate does not always require a major renovation.

A few simple changes can reduce common hazards, make everyday activities easier, and help you feel more comfortable and confident at home.

If you are thinking about aging in place, here are five places to start.

1. Remove Tripping Hazards

Falls are one of the biggest concerns as we age, and some of the most common hazards are surprisingly easy to address.

Take a walk through each room of your home and look at the floor from a safety perspective. Pay particular attention to:

• Loose area rugs

• Electrical and extension cords

• Clutter in walkways

• Small pieces of furniture

• Uneven flooring

• Items stored on or near stairways

You may have walked around the same rug or piece of furniture for years without giving it a second thought. But as mobility, balance, or vision changes, something that was once a minor inconvenience can become a potential hazard.

Creating wider, unobstructed pathways through frequently used areas is a simple place to begin.

2. Improve the Lighting Throughout Your Home

Good lighting can make a significant difference in how safely and comfortably you navigate your home.

Check hallways, stairways, entrances, bedrooms, and bathrooms to make sure they are adequately lit. Pay special attention to areas you may walk through at night.

Nightlights are an inexpensive addition for hallways, bathrooms, and the path between your bedroom and bathroom. Motion-activated lights can also be helpful in areas where reaching a switch may be inconvenient.

Don't forget about exterior lighting. Well-lit porches, sidewalks, steps, and entrances can make coming and going safer, especially during the shorter days of a Western Pennsylvania winter.

3. Take a Closer Look at the Bathroom

Bathrooms deserve particular attention when evaluating whether a home is working well for an older adult.

Wet and slippery surfaces combined with the need to step into tubs or showers can create unnecessary risks.

Depending on your needs, simple improvements might include:

• Installing grab bars near the toilet, tub, or shower

• Adding a non-slip bath mat

• Using a shower chair or bench

• Improving bathroom lighting

• Keeping frequently used toiletries within easy reach

You do not necessarily need to completely remodel the bathroom. Start by identifying the activities that are becoming more difficult and look for simple ways to make them safer.

4. Make Everyday Items Easier to Reach

Think about how often you reach, bend, stretch, or climb to get something you use every day.

Frequently used kitchen items should ideally be stored where they can be reached without a step stool. The same principle applies to bathroom supplies, cleaning products, clothing, and other household necessities.

Consider moving your most frequently used items to shelves and cabinets between approximately waist and shoulder height.

This is one of those changes that may seem insignificant, but it can make everyday life noticeably easier.

5. Check Your Stairs and Railings

Stairs can become one of the biggest challenges in a home as mobility needs change.

Make sure handrails are secure and easy to grip. Keep steps free of clutter and make sure the entire stairway is adequately lit.

Also consider the number of times you need to use the stairs during a typical day.

If your bedroom, full bathroom, and laundry are located on different floors, your home's layout may eventually become just as important as the condition of the stairs themselves.

Is Your Home Still Working for You?

Making a home safer is not necessarily about preparing to move. In fact, the right modifications may allow you to remain comfortably in your home much longer.

But our homes, and our needs, can change over time.

A house that was perfect while raising a family may feel very different when maintaining the yard becomes difficult, stairs are used multiple times each day, or entire rooms are rarely used anymore.

That does not automatically mean it is time to sell.

It does mean it can be helpful to understand your options before you need to make a decision.

As a Certified Seniors Professional and Realtor serving Westmoreland County and the surrounding Western Pennsylvania communities, I help older adults and their families look at the entire picture. Sometimes the best decision is making modifications and staying right where you are. Other times, downsizing, moving closer to family, or transitioning to a senior living community may make everyday life easier.

The important thing is having a plan that works for you.

If you or a family member would like to talk through whether your current home will continue to meet your needs, I would be happy to have that conversation with you.

Kerry Sholtes
Senior Transition Specialist | Realtor
724-858-8108      724-861-0500     Kerry@MelissaMerriman.com