More than half of all falls occur in and around the home, according to the CDC. Adapting your home to accommodate avoidable accidents doesn’t need to be complicated. Small changes can create a significant impact. Check out our list of simple adjustments to make daily activities more comfortable, reduce accidents, and support independent living.
Prevent Tripping Hazards
- Arrange furniture in clear walking paths and remove clutter from each room.
- Create a secure area for the family pet as not to be underfoot.
- Place orange tape on changing floor surfaces to alert potential walking dangers.
- Secure throw rugs and electrical cords.
Enhance Lighting
- Light up dark areas with plug-in sensor lights.
- Install non-glare and non-reflective lighting where tasks are completed.
- Add nightlights in the bathroom.
- Install rocker switches, which can be turned on and off with the back of the hand or elbow.
- Add lamps in easy to reach areas, such as next to the bed.
Kitchen
- Reduce the chance to lose balance with shelves and under cabinet hooks.
- Install drawer organizers and pull-out shelving.
- Use lever or U-shaped pulls or handles.
- Reduce bending by placing heavier and frequently used items within easy reach.
- Utilize a stool for support while cooking.
- Create round corners on countertops.
- Install a faucet with a single-lever handle for easier handling.
Bathroom
- Install a comfort height toilet or raised toilet seat with grab bars.
- Create accessible storage for frequently used items.
- Locate clothes hooks slightly above eye level.
- Lower water temperature to 120 or below.
- Reduce slippery surfaces in the shower or bath with anti-skid strips.
- Upgrade to a hand-held shower hose.
- Install bench seating for support in the shower or bathtub with grab bars.
Research shows the optimal way to reduce fall risks for aging adults at risk of falling includes medication management, physical activity, and home modification. As your care needs change, Wesley offers a full network of supportive services you need to age in place. Leave the burdens of owning a home behind with maintenance-free living, including independent or assisted living apartments suited for aging adults, house cleaning services, lawn mowing, even changing a light bulb! Have peace of mind the Wesley-friendly staff is only a phone call away.
When you enter the apartments at a Wesley community, you’ll notice there are no steps, thresholds, and the wide doors offer easy maneuverability. The ample cabinets feature lazy Susan’s and pantries with pull-out shelves for easy to reach items. The bathrooms come equipped with pull-out showerheads and grab bars. They are designed for all levels of physical ability, including ADA apartments.
Wesley offers a wide variety of residences specifically designed to prevent fall risks, offer the security of being surrounded by others, and support their resident’s safely aging-in-place. Find the living option to support your lifestyle, including independent accommodations to assisted living apartments. For those needing more care, the signature Catered Living program offers flexible, personalized care coordination with medical providers, medication management, diabetic support, and general personal care. Wesley communities also provide a secure, assisted living memory care program with licensed, 24-hour nursing care. Discover the campus that’s right for you. Learn more about floorplans, pricing, and the available amenities at wesleychoice.org.