Caring for loved ones is an important role in the lives of many. From children to elderly parents and even visitors to our homes, we want to provide a safe, comfortable place to gather. Many older homes and those built without little ones or current disabilities may require some updating to become a safe zone.
If you’re working on updates to your home to help keep an elderly loved one safe while there, here are some ways you can update your front door entryway to ease their access and prevent the fall incidents.
Falls are one of the biggest culprits leading to death in the elderly so it’s important to take any tripping hazards or other roadblocks serious. Just from the entry of your home, there are already stairs and rugs that can be very dangerous – especially for those who are unable to fully lift their foot when walking as they trip and fall.
To prevent these situations, here are 3 things you can do now
1. Check Your Rugs
As mentioned, throw rugs and other types of mats can easily become a tripping hazard. Pay specific attention to any with a high pile or that move easily. If you do want to keep a runner or rug, be sure it is closely leveled with the floor and secured in place.
2. Get Better Lighting
Another common reason for falls is the lack of proper lighting to see any hazard that lay ahead. If the bulb has been out on your porch or you have never had lighting along your entry path, it’s important to do so. Be sure the entryway is also well lit when guests step into the home so they are aware of how big they must step up to enter or down to exit.
3. Get New Railings
Railings are one of the most important safety features that should always be used with stairs. To assist with balance and mobility, you’ll need a railing that is strong enough to grip and utilize with bodyweight as someone makes their way up or down. Cracked, wobbly or missing railings in your front entry are an extreme danger, especially for elderly loved ones.
Get new aluminum railings from Aladdin. As Connecticut’s leading installer, we offer excellent customer service, innovative designs and met all necessary safety and compliance requirements for standards and codes at homes and businesses.