Ascertaining a senior’s ability to age safely in place is somewhat of a complex endeavour. Creating a customised solution to your needs can help a loved one, but that may require going through the residence together and assessing it on a room-by-room basis. Think about the potential hazards of the home that need to be addressed to make it safe, make a checklist and prepare ahead of time. You may need to do the following:

• Move furniture to set up paths clear of obstructions.

• Get your light switches prepared by making them accessible, no higher than about 48 inches from the floors, replacing toggle switches with rocker switches.

• Improve the overall quality of lighting in the home. There shouldn’t be any dark pathways or countertop areas that are not lit up as well. Task lights, night lights and rope lighting are all great alternatives to your regular switches.

• Adding grips to doorknobs or replacing them with levered handles and pulls.

• Marking and steps or changes in floor elevation with bright tape or paint in contrasting colours can help the visually impaired.

• Remove any loose carpeting and mats or rugs. You should use secure area rugs with double-sided rug tape, minimising the risk of slipping. Focus on the edges and corners.

• Remove all cable and electric cords that go close to the walkways to prevent tripping hazards. Place all wiring behind the furniture or secure it neatly against the walls with cable staples, cord covers or clips.

• Ensuring all seating throughout the home is sturdy, as well as supportive to the arms and making sure sitting and standing are easier is a good way to approach difficulties with mobility.

• Get rid of clutter by disposing of items or donating them.

• The washing machine and dryer must be easy to access for everyone, on the main level of your home. If that’s not the case, consider repurposing a closet or another area on the ground floor and turning it into a laundry room. Replacing any top-loading machines with front-loading ones will make them much easier to use. If you have to, you can hire a laundry service to avoid the tasks made difficult, or a home care specialist.

• Clear a path from the driveway to the entry of your home.

• Inspect the walkways for cracks, loose stones or bricks and any uneven surfaces and repair them. Fixing the flaws will help provide a better walking surface.

• Removing or trimming the landscaping can help keep walking paths wide and clear for anyone using a walker or a wheelchair.

• If you have any entry steps, install handrails on both sides, using non-slip surfaces and making them deep enough to ensure the whole foot can be placed on every step.

• If you or your loved ones experience mobility challenges, you should evaluate rooms and think about installing a ramp. Stepless entries may make things easier and safer for entry, regardless of using a mobility aid like a walker or cane or being in a wheelchair.

• Evaluate the state of your front door, the sturdiness and ease of operation of the locks and the peephole or window panel.

• Replace the kitchen knobs on drawers and cabinets with pulls or levers for ease of access.

• Move the frequently used items from the higher shelves and under-the-counter cabinets to a more accessible location that doesn’t require bending over or reaching high up.

• Consider whether older appliances are still functional for your needs. Oven controls must be in the front of the range, so you can avoid reaching over stove burners. Label the knobs clearly for ease of use. A bit of paraffin wax or petroleum jelly can be rubbed around the gaskets on the fridge door to make it easier to open.

©Home Care Preferred Barnet