As we journey through life, our homes become more than just four walls; they evolve into sanctuaries of cherished memories and comforting spaces. For our elderly loved ones, the familiarity and warmth of home can make all the difference in maintaining their quality of life. As a dedicated occupational therapist with over a decade of experience, a licensed contractor, and the proud owner and founder of “Safe Accessible Home,” my mission is to ensure that your elderly parents can enjoy their golden years with the utmost safety, comfort, and peace of mind. In this article, I’ll share five essential strategies to enhance the safety of your loved one’s home, creating an environment where independence and Security harmoniously coexist.

1. Strategically Placed Grab Bars: Installing well-positioned grab bars in key areas such as bathrooms, hallways, and staircases can greatly enhance your parent’s ability to move around safely. These sturdy supports provide balance and stability, minimizing the risk of slips and falls. By incorporating grab bars into your home’s design, you’re offering your parents the confidence to navigate their living space with ease.

2. Raised Toilets and Shower Chairs: Ensuring that the bathroom is a haven of accessibility is paramount. Installing raised toilets and providing shower chairs can transform these spaces into user-friendly zones. These modifications not only prevent strain but also promote self-sufficiency, as your parents can maintain their personal hygiene routines without assistance.

3. Ramps for Easy Access: A home should be a place of inclusivity, and that means providing easy access for everyone. Installing ramps at entrances and exits eliminates obstacles that can impede mobility. These ramps are designed with safety in mind, granting your parents the freedom to come and go without worry.

4. Eliminating Hazards: Simple changes like removing rugs and ensuring clutter-free pathways can have a significant impact on safety. Tripping hazards are minimized, and the risk of falls is greatly reduced. By thoughtfully designing the living space, you’re creating a welcoming haven where your parents can move about with confidence.

5. Enhanced Lighting: Adequate lighting is an unsung hero in the realm of home safety. Well-lit areas reduce the chances of accidental bumps and tumbles. Installing brighter bulbs, nightlights, and motion-sensor lighting in essential areas can significantly enhance visibility, promoting a secure and comfortable environment.

Conclusion:

At “Safe Accessible Home,” I understand the emotional significance of your parent’s living space. With my extensive background as an occupational therapist and licensed contractor, I am dedicated to affordably helping you transform the  houses into havens that prioritize safety and well-being. By incorporating these five top strategies – strategically placed grab bars, raised toilets and shower chairs, ramps for easy access, eliminating hazards, and enhancing lighting – you can empower your elderly parents to continue enjoying the familiar comforts of their cherished home. Together, let’s create a living space where independence, security, and the joys of life intertwine harmoniously. Contact us today, and let’s embark on this journey towards a safer, more accessible home for your loved ones.

I hope this information is helpful. If I can be of support, do not hesitate to reach out. 

In support,

Ryan

I am ready to schedule an appointment!

Originally Published on https://www.safeaccessiblehome.com/blogs/

Ryan Salmon Home Safety / Accessibility Specialist

For the past decade, I have been an occupational therapist primarily serving older adults in the home and community. My background in construction has played a huge role in how I support people in tailoring their environment to meet their needs as it relates to maintaining their safety and accessibility for daily activities. I now have my contractors license again and am providing home assessments as well as doing the actual modifications to assist those who wish to continue living in their home for as long as possible. During the pandemic, I was able to support my baby boomer parents with home modification decisions that allowed my father to live out his remaining days in the home as he always desired. This experience, along with personally living in a remote area, lead to my transition to providing virtual home safety and accessibility consultations. My goal is to support people through the entire process from start to finish with assessments over zoom, with photos, videos, gathering data with lidar technology if possible, developing a plan, locating the best contractors for the job, being the liaison between the clients and the contractors and follow up assessments. I am available for medically necessary cases in Alaska, and preparatory cases anywhere else on the planet so if you are planning for the future, feel free to reach out.