Kelowna Handyman: Reduce Fall Risks With These Home Repairs for Seniors!

Living alone as a senior can be scary. As an older individual, you know you are at an increased risk of slip-and-fall injuries. To prevent these injuries, it is best to invest in installations and home repairs for seniors. A professional contractor can help you fix up your home to reduce fall risks and injuries.

5 Ways To Reduce Fall Risks for Seniors

Reducing fall risks is all about prevention, and prevention is all about making intelligent and deliberate changes. While change isn’t always easy, it is the one way to ensure you remain independent for as long as possible. There are at least five things you can do now to reduce your risks later.

1. Handrails

Install handrails everywhere you think you will need them. While most people only install rails in stairwells, you might consider putting them in hallways, bedrooms, and bathrooms. Rails for bathrooms are usually called grab bars. You should install grab bars around the toilet, sink, bathtub, and shower.

2. Good Lighting 

As people age, their sight tends to get worse. If you live in a home with poor natural light and dimly lit hallways, it is time to invest in some electrical upgrades. Hire an electrician to make your home as bright as possible, ensuring you can see every step you take.

3. Home Maintenance

While using repair services in Kelowna is essential for installations and upgrades, it is more important to maintain a clean and clutter-free home. Some seniors may struggle to maintain their houses because of mobility issues. If you are among these individuals, consider hiring a housekeeper or talking to relatives and asking for help.

4. Easy-Reach Supplies

As you get older, you may not be able to reach things you once did, and you won’t be as strong as you once were. To counter these issues, store items in lower easy-to-reach places. If you can avoid climbing ladders or lifting things above your head, it is likely for the best.

5. Easy Access Emergency Contacts

Every senior, especially those living alone, should have a list of emergency contacts. The list should include doctors, family members, friends, etc. Also, it is essential to have more than one list. Every room should have a copy, including the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. You never know when or where accidents might happen, so having easy access to emergency contacts is essential.

Using Tools To Ensure Help Is Always Close

Seniors can also use technology to ensure their safety or emergency response in the event of a fall or accident. The tech doesn’t have to be invasive either; it can be small devices you wear or carry.

1. Emergency Response Systems

Emergency response systems are usually integrated into small devices that a person carries or wears on their person. You can request emergency attention with the push of a button. Some devices might even have sensors to alert the service after an accident.

2. Mobile Phones

Mobile phones can be just as effective as home alert systems. However, for the device to be effective, seniors must always keep it on them. Nowadays, you can buy smartwatches that connect and make phone calls from your phone, even if it is not on you.

3. Scheduled Visits or Check-Ins

An excellent low-tech option for seniors is to have scheduled visits or check-ins with friends and family. The visits can be in-person or over the phone. The frequency of the visits is up to the individual.

Hire a Professional for Home Repairs and Remodels

Aging in place is possible, but you will need to make some changes to improve the safety of your home. Contact Handyman Connection to consult a professional contractor about changes you should make.