Quick and Easy Safety Ideas for the Home

May 24, 2011

Safety aids can help your loved one remain independent and injury free. Here are several easy-to-install items that you can find at local hardware stores, health equipment companies, or through mail order/online catalogs.

Night Lights - Insert in hallways and near stairways and beds

Stairway Rails - Keep them in good, strong shape

Double-back Tape - Use to secure throw rugs (or remove rugs entirely)

Bathtub and Shower Non-Slip Decals - Place in tubs, showers, and by sinks or washing machine areas

Rubber Mats - Put by sins and washing areas

Bathroom Grab Bars - They are especially helpful near the bathtub, shower and commode

Bathrub and Shower Seats  - Use for getting in/out of bathtubs as well as while showering and bathing

Flexible Shower Hoses or Hand Held Shower Heads - When used with a shower seat, they allow for safer bathing

Elevated Toilet Seat - Placed on the regular toilet seat to elevate the sitting height to a minimum of 24 inches

Pain and Sand Mixture - Paint outside steps with this mixture to make them slip-resistant

Cane - A good, sturdy cane provides better stability on rough terrain

Smoke/Heat Detector - Place high enough to detect smoke and heat, and where it can be heard. It should be easy to turn off if it goes off accidentally.

Kitchen Timer - Use this as a reminder to turn off burners when cooking.

Heavy, Thick Potholders or Oven Mitts - Make sure they are easy to hold on to

Metallic Stove Counter Mat - This allows cooks to safely slide hot pots off burners. They are especially helpful if hand strength has been reduced.