When a senior parent moves in with you, it’s important to make your home safe and easy to navigate. By identifying and addressing safety hazards, you can help your parent maintain independence for as long as possible and enjoy their time with you. 

​Consider the Extent of Your Changes Based on Time and Need

Some senior safety modifications are as simple as rearranging furniture. Others require larger renovations. 

If your parents are in relatively good health and expected to live with you for many years, investing in larger renovations makes sense. For instance, you could install a walk-in shower, widen doorways, or add an “in-law suite.”

On the other hand, if your loved one’s health is declining rapidly, you’ll want to focus on immediate needs that make them comfortable. So, instead of installing a walk-in shower or tub, you might buy a shower bench. Shower benches are a quick, simple addition that makes it easier for seniors to get into a traditional shower. Benches also make it easier for someone to assist your parent as they bathe.

Here is a list of senior safety modifications you can make to your home, ranging from small tweaks to large home improvements.

Remove Trip and Fall Hazards

Falls are the leading cause of injury among seniors aged 65 and over, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Most senior falls happen in or around the home. The good news is that falls caused by home hazards are preventable. 

Here are a few simple adjustments to help your senior parent keep from tripping and falling in your home.

​Keep Walkways Clear

Keep clutter off the floor and remove obstacles that may cause your parent to stumble. For example, you may want to remove or rearrange furniture, like footstools and ottomans, so there’s a clear walkway through your living room. 

​Secure Rugs and Cords

​Loose area rugs and cords should be secured. Securing loose area rugs and cords helps prevent your parent from catching their foot, walker, or cane while walking.

​Keep Pets Out of the Way

​Pets are a common but often overlooked senior trip and fall hazard. Secure pets in an area where they can stay out from underfoot as your parent moves around the house.

​Install Grab Bars, Safety Rails, and Ramps

​Grab bars, safety rails, and ramps help your parent maintain their balance, so they can move around the house safely. 

​Grab Bars

​Severe falls can occur when someone loses balance and grabs a handle that isn't strong enough to support their weight. For instance, if someone grabs a shower door handle as they start to fall, the handle may give way, or even break the door, making the fall even more dangerous.

That’s why it’s so important to install grab bars. When placed correctly, they’re sturdy enough to support an adult’s full weight. The key areas to install grab bars in the bathroom are near the toilet, and in the shower or bathtub.

​Safety Rails

Install safety rails along staircases and in long hallways where your parents might need extra support for balance. You can also attach bed rails to give your parents additional support when getting in and out of bed. Bed rails are especially useful if your parents have difficulty with balance or are prone to rolling out of bed during the night.

Ramps

​If your home has steps at entryways, consider installing ramps to lessen the likelihood of falls. Ramps should have a gentle incline to make it easy for your parents to navigate on foot, or with a walker or wheelchair. The recommended slope ratio is 1:12, meaning for every inch of height, the ramp should be 12 inches long.

​Improve Lighting​

​Make sure there are light switches at every entrance to a room. Consider replacing older switches with modern, easy-to-use designs like rocker or touch switches. Lever-style switches are particularly helpful if your parents have arthritis or limited hand strength. Plug-in sensor lights are also a great option. They turn on automatically when someone walks by, providing light without needing to find a switch. 

Also, remember to make sure pathways, hallways, and entryways are well-lit. Adding nightlights in the bathroom and bedroom can also help your parents see better at night. 

​Widen Doorways

​Standard doorways can be too narrow for wheelchairs or walkers, especially in older homes. If your parent uses mobility aids, consider widening doorways to at least 36 inches. This will make it easier for them to move from room to room without bumping into door frames. In addition to widening doorways, ensure that there is ample space to turn and maneuver in tight areas, like hallways or bathrooms.

​Make the Bathroom Accessible

​The bathroom is one of the most likely places for seniors to fall. To make it safer and more accessible, consider the following upgrades:

​Add Shower Seating 

​Installing a shower seat can help your parents maintain their balance while bathing. Shower seats can be portable or mounted to the wall.

​Install a Raised Toilet

​Chair-height toilets, which are about two inches higher than standard models, can make it easier for your parents to sit down and stand up.

​Choose Slip-Resistant Flooring 

​Bathroom floors get wet, making slip-resistant flooring essential to help prevent falls.

​Replace High-Sided Tubs

​High-sided tubs can be difficult to step into, especially for those with limited mobility. Replacing a traditional tub with a walk-in shower or walk-in tub makes bathing easier and safer.

​Add an “In-Law Suite”

​If your parents are planning to stay with you for years to come, adding an in-law suite might be worth considering. An in-law suite typically includes a bedroom, bathroom, and even a small kitchenette. It’s a great way to make sure your parent has their own space while still being close. Plus, the space will always be valuable. It can later be repurposed as a rental unit or a private area for a college-aged child. 

​Senior Home Safety Renovations in Tennessee

If you live between Nashville and Knoxville, Tennessee, Innovative Restorations can help you renovate your home to accommodate your aging parents. Set up a free consultation today by giving us a call or filling out the form on this page!​