Aging Design Expert, Lisa Cini, Shares 10 Safety Tips for Living Independently

Adjust the heights of sinks, stoves, washers & dryers,
showers, shelving, and cabinets.

Declutter and organize trailing electrical wires to avoid
slips and trips.

Add banisters and check for looseness on stairs, railings
and decks.

Light up dark hallways and closets with motion-sensor
lights to prevent falls.

Install handrails/grab bars by the toilet and in the shower
to stay steady.

Get tech: There’s a bevy of wearable technology for
improved mobility, heart monitoring with the touch of a finger,
memory assistance, companionship, fitness and mobility; and new,
unobtrusive vision and hearing aids that can translate 27
languages, detect falls, connect to your phone, and can even be
found by GPS tracking when you can’t remember where it is. Home
security systems can protect against theft and property damage,
provide motion sensing lights to detect intruders, and provide
welcome hall way lighting. Tablets and portable screens allow you
to send photos, videos and have live chats with family and friends.

Install an automatic stove shutoff device to provide peace
of mind and protection when cooking is forgotten or left
unattended. It’s an easy way to prevent a possible fire and save
dinner, too.

Make flooring safe. Make sure there are rugs on polished
floor surfaces. Invest in anti-slip tiles for bathrooms and
kitchens to avoid sliding on water spills. Rugs should have
anti-slip fixtures underneath to avoid slipping. Consider a
contrasting color for steps and rails to make them easier to see.
And, since your feet spend so much time on the floor, wear
well-fitting shoes and slippers. Avoid flip-flops as they lead to
trips.

Keep things within reach. Stretching and balancing on step
ladders to get things on high shelves or in awkward places leads
to falls. So, keep things you use frequently in an easy-to-reach
place. Place a phone within easy reach for an emergency, and set
up speed-dial for favorite contacts.

Make the garden safe. Clear moss and old leaves from the
paths to minimize the risk of slipping. When it is icy, make sure
you have some grit and someone to clear your paths. Avoid too many
pots and ornaments, as they are easy to trip over. Install
lighting so you can see your way along paths in the dark. Remember
that you don’t have to do all the work in the garden or house; you
can get help from others to do the heavier jobs, which lessens
your risk of falling.