The Wake-Up Call Nobody Wants: Home Safety Planning Before It’s Urgent

Famous words: "I will live and die in this house." PERIOD. This train of thought usually follows a major life altering event that causes a person to question their own (or a loved one's) safety for continued independent living. 

So why wait for a major (sometimes life altering) event to occur before addressing the elephant in the room? The truth is, this is the one time that "If it ain't broke don't fix it" approach fails because the crisis decision making takes over often costing more due to urgency and the stress driving decision making.

We know firsthand how overwhelming it can be to scramble to prepare a home for safe and independent living. Most homes aren't designed for aging-in-place. From stairs, to lighting, bathrooms to storage, indoor and outdoor there are so many aspects that need to be considered. 

Some quick and easy fixes to consider for safe living are:

• Lighting: You may need an electrician, but some quick fixes include motion-sensor plug-ins for the bedroom, bathroom and hallway areas.

• Bathroom: slip-resistant mats or stickers for the tub, and changing door handles to lever handles instead of turn knobs. Adding grip handles for the tub. Raised toilet seats for ease of use.

• Common areas: Add 2-way tape for floor mats to avoid tripping hazards. 

  
  

These are great to help people get started, but what about each person's personalized needs? The needs of a senior with dementia differ significantly from the needs of a child with physical disabilities. What about progressive arthritis, cancer, balance issues or debilitating illnesses? From electrical lighting and grab bars to rounded countertop corners, wider doors, and shower thresholds, there is lots to consider. This is where we come in. 

These are all elements of one's health that need to be considered. With a background in health, fitness and nutrition, combined with over 25 years of renovation and construction,  we saw the gap and wanted to fix it. 

Ask about our Home Safety and Accessibility Assessment for aging in place and chronic debilitating conditions. We will include a room-by-room assessment alongside recommendations for safety and long-term independence. It's a great way to help you assess what you will need down the line, where to allocate your budget and what to prioritize in terms of longevity and independence. 

Emily Jossinet

Up Next: Bathroom safety, the highest-risk room in the house, and the upgrades that make the biggest difference without turning it into a hospital.