Studies have shown that most accidents occur in homes. They can take place in your kitchen, bathroom, and even in your pool area. While children are often the victims of such accidents, adults, especially the elderly, are also susceptible to injury in and around the home. With the proper precautions, common accidents can be prevented and you can make your home a safer place. From installing grab bars in your bathroom to creating multi-level countertops, there are many safety measures you can take to minimize the risks of accidents.
In the Bathrooms: These are the most accident-prone areas of your home. The following safety precautions are strongly recommended.
• Installing sturdy grab bars in the shower and tub areas provide elderly or physically challenged users with the support they need when entering or exiting the shower enclosure. They can also hold on to the bars for support and balance in case of a slip.
• Installing a wall-mounted sink at the height of a seated wheelchair-bound family member will make it easier for them to use the sink.
• Adding enhancements like hand showers, which are easily accessible while seated, make the bathing experience safer and more comfortable.
• Sitting in the form of bath chairs or shower stools prevents accidents among the elderly, pregnant women and people with mobility problems.
• The installation of raised toilet seats is mandatory in homes where people who suffer from joint pain reside. Helps decrease how far and how often joints are bent.
In the kitchen: With many tools and a number of flammable items, accidents in the kitchen can lead to serious injuries.
• Multi-level countertop installation creates access to cabinets from a seating position. Taking a section of the cabinets down can be helpful to create an island for the person to work on.
• It is necessary to remodel a part of the kitchen when there is not enough space to move comfortably. Cluttered spaces are often disorienting: creating ample space for family members to move around prevents collisions and bumps.
• Avoid using the upper cabinets to store everyday items. Store bulky items in lower cabinets for easy removal. This also ensures that heavier objects don’t fall on your head when you try to access them from a height.
In and around the house: Here are the ways you can make movement in and around your house safer.
• Lower light switches so they are within user’s reach. Stumbling in the dark is not a pleasant experience and can cause accidents.
• A suitable floor must be installed. Thick mats cushion the fall and reduce the degree of injury. Cover slippery surfaces with mats or mats.
• Doors in and around the house should be spacious. Most doorways need to be widened a couple of inches, especially when the user is in a wheelchair.
The number of safety precautions you can take is endless. Professional remodeling services are suggested if you have sufficient funds at your disposal. While you can make trivial changes, like installing grab bars in bathrooms, a professional can help with large-scale renovations.