Common Products and Modifications that Help Promote Safe Aging in Place
Home safety starts with a thorough assessment. A comprehensive home safety assessment starts with a review of personal needs and wishes- current and future- and a walk-through of routines and commonly used spaces in the home. The assessment helps community members and trained professionals develop a plan to address concerns, reduce fall risk, and make recommendations for devices and modifications to simplify and promote safety in your home.
Today, we will highlight common services and products that are offered to help keep the home environment functional and safe even as residents age or face medical conditions or events.
**Remember, the home safety assessment and your needs and goals are considered when deciding what options will work best for you and your space.**
1. Emergency Response Systems- These systems can be used in the home or out in the community and do not require a phone line. The goal is to allow the user easy and quick communication with emergency personnel in the event of a fall or emergency. More than a “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up” button, newer models have two-way communication, GPS and automatic fall detection with several necklace or wrist pendant options.
2. Durable Medical Equipment- These devices can help if you are recovering from a specific medical event or surgery, or your daily activities are becoming more difficult. Lift recliner chairs can improve circulation and help with standing. Shower chairs, tub transfer benches, or raised toilet seats can make your daily routines easier and safer.
3. Ramps for Wheelchair Access- Modular aluminum ramps are a quick and removable option to promote home accessibility. Custom wooden or composite ramps can be styled to create an attractive entrance for all visitors. Threshold ramps provide ease and safety to navigating home transitions (inside and outside).
4. Grab Bars- Grab bars can be installed anywhere but are most commonly found in the bathroom (the highest fall-risk room in the home!). Multiple shapes, sizes, and colors can provide stylish and safe access to showers and toilets and promote independent mobility in bathroom spaces.
5. Railings- Both stylish and safe, customized railings can keep us safe on stairs, decks, patios, and landings by providing grip and preventing falls. The front entrance, garage, and inside stairways should have 1-2 railings.
6. Stairlifts- Options can accommodate straight or curved stairs- confidently move between floors without pain or fear of falling in any home. Vertical Platform Lifts-promote a smooth quiet ride (more like an elevator) to take users and their mobility equipment from one floor to another.
7. Bathroom Remodeling- Modifications can eliminate the need to step over high bathtub walls, reducing the risk of slips and falls. Convert your tub to a walk-in shower or customize a new accessible bathroom with a comfort height toilet and barrier-free shower to meet your specific needs and preferences.
Want to learn more or talk to the professionals? Home Safe Home’s website can be reached from this link: A Leading Aging in Place Home Modification Company in Baltimore, MD (homesafehomemd.com)