Making It Safe At Home

At all stages of life, we are drawn towards products and services that bring us convenience, efficiency, and even joy. Safety, convenience, and independence are the cornerstones of preparing for aging, and even more important when considering Aging In Place.  Early preparation is the best way to accomplish all of those goals. 

The following guide is a checklist of items that may be beneficial. Everyone is different, but the earlier assistive devices are offered, the more likely you/your aging parents/aging loved ones will adapt to their changes and live a more quality life.  Many of these items are available on the GoldenAgreements.com store and can be found by clicking on the name.

Safe At Home… Adapting Your Space for Aging in Place

Staying safe at home as you age requires practical changes to maintain safety and comfort.  Here is a list of common items to assist with decreased mobility, loss of strength, vision change, and cognitive decline. Additional items for fall prevention, arthritis, medicine management, grandparent gifts, and advanced care on the website.

Underlined items will link to a product if you click on it.  There may be more items like it on the website to search for.

Bathrooms

• Grab Bars near toilet, shower/tub, and sink

• Shower Seat

• Non-slip bath mats

• Handheld showerhead

• Shower caps to reduce hair washing

• Self adhesive non slip mats for bathtub and shower floors

• Raised Toilet Seat for standing or sitting

• Toilet handlebars to assist sitting, rising, and balance

• Bidet attachment

• Motion Sensor Nightlights

• Improved Room Lighting

• Safe Medication Storage

• Easy to Hold Toothbrush

• Dry Wash for Hair

• No Water Bath Wipes

• Standing/Moveable Toilet Paper Holder

• Easy To Use Faucets

• Lever-style Door Handles: Easier to grip than knobs.

• Temperature-Controlled Faucets: Reduces risk of scalding.

• Walk-in bathtub or shower: Eliminates the need to step over a high threshold.

• Shower caddy/organizer: Keeps toiletries within easy reach.

• Long-handled Sponge or Bath Brush: For easier reach.

• Non-Fogging Mirror: Helpful for those with vision impairments.

The Kitchen

• Pull-out Shelves or Drawer Organizers

• Step Stool with Tall Handle

• Improved Countertop Lighting

• Appliances with Large, Easy-to-Read Controls

• Auto shut off timers

• Stove Knob Covers

• Automatic shut-off features

• Fire extinguishing blanket

• Small fire extinguisher

• Non-slip grips for slippery floors

• Knife Safety

• Refrigerator Organizers

• Meal Prep Containers

• Easy to Use Faucets

• Full Hand/Fireproof Oven Mitts

• Fire Detector

• Carbon Monoxide Detector

• Jar Opener: Assists with opening stubborn jars.

• Reach Extender: Grabs items from high shelves.

• Anti-Fatigue Mat: Cushions feet while standing at the sink or counter.

• Microwave with Large Buttons and Simple Controls: Easier to operate.

• Adjustable-Height Countertop: Accommodates different needs and abilities.

• Voice-activated Assistants: For hands-free control of appliances and other devices.

The Living Room

• Furniture Arrangement without Clutter

• Support for Getting In/Out of Chairs or Sofa

• Portable Table

• Lamps and Overhead Lighting

• Remote Control On/Off Outlets

• Secure Rugs for Tripping Hazard (double-sided tape or a non-slip backing so the rugs won’t slip)

• Coil or Taped Cords: Make sure there are no cords to trip over.  Coil or tape cords and wires next to the wall so you can’t trip over them.

• Spare Accessories Organizer:  Keep spare glasses, pens, paper, charging cords, etc. to avoid unnecessary extra hunting around the house for comforts.

• Organization:  Having a dedicated place for mail or other items can help keep everyone organized and able to find what they are looking for.

• Loose Item Containers

• Tabletop Magnifying Glass

• Throw Blankets

• Comfortable, supportive chairs with armrests: Makes it easier to get up and down.

• Adjustable-height coffee table: Can be raised or lowered as needed.

• Large-Button Telephone: Easier to see and dial.

• Voice-Activated Remote Controls: For easier control of TV and other devices.

• Assistive Listening Devices: Helps those with hearing impairments.'

The Bedroom

• Bed Height Adjusters 

• Bed Position Adjusters

• Adjustable Bed Table

• Bedside Lighting

• Motion Detector Night Lights

• Reachable Storage

• Bedside Charging Station

• Medicine Organizer

• Medicine Reminder

• Reminder Station

• Remote Control On/Off Outlets

• Adjustable Bed: Allows for customized positioning for comfort and easier entry/exit.

• Bed Rails: Provides support and prevents falls.

• Pressure-Reducing Mattress: Helps prevent bedsores.

• Long-Handled Shoehorn: For easier dressing.

• Clothing with easy closures: Velcro or snaps instead of buttons and zippers.

Stairs/Stairways

Install sturdy handrails on both sides of stairways. Ensure adequate lighting. Make sure loose floorboards are fixed.  Have an electrician put in an overhead light and light switch at the top and bottom of the stairs. You can get light switches that glow.   Make sure the carpet is firmly attached to every step, or remove the carpet and attach non-slip rubber treads to the stairs. Fix loose handrails, or put in new ones. Make sure handrails are on both sides of the stairs, and are as long as the stairs.

• Stairlift: Provides a safe way to navigate stairs.

• Handrails on Both Sides: Offers additional support.

• Non-Slip Stair Treads: Reduces the risk of slipping.

• Motion Detection Lights

General, Every Room

• Emergency Call System: Consider a personal emergency response system (PERS) for added safety and peace of mind.

• Non-Slip Socks:  Wearing non slip socks around the house can help prevent falls.

• Medical Alert Bracelet or Necklace: Allows for quick access to help in an emergency.

Outdoor Spaces 

• Lighting:  Make sure the lighting is bright and steps and stairs well lit. 

• Shade:  Make sure outdoor spaces are available with adequate shade to avoid sunburn and overheating

Golden Agreements seeks to build harmony and a unified vision among family members/loved ones, and professional support, for the aging process.  By facilitating difficult discussions, and helping the Golden Client (you, your aging parent, your loved one, etc) make important decisions based on values and priorites, families can set expectations and honor independence and dignity with love. This information should be used in conjunction with the advice of lawyers, doctors, and other professionals who are familiar with your individual needs.