iCare Home Health Services Inc., 2275 Upper Middle Rd. E., Suite 101, Oakville

Ontario L6H 0C3, Telephone: (905) 491-6941, Email: Info@icarehomehealth.ca,

Website: http://www.icarehomehealth.ca/

How to Make Your Home Senior Friendly

As people age, daily activities can become increasingly difficult and even the most

familiar places can bring about stress or injury. If you have seniors living with you

or often have elderly guests over, one of the safest and most thoughtful things you

can do is to make your home senior-friendly.

Here is a simple checklist for making your home a place that’s comfortable and

injury-free for your elderly visitors. And don’t worry, nothing on this list requires a

costly renovation – just a few simple things you can do around the house to make it

senior-friendly!

General Tips

Keep a clean and tidy house. Having a home with less clutter reduces the chance that someone will step or trip over items. Furthermore, many find

clutter stressful so try to keep your house clean and tidy to encourage a warm and welcoming environment.

Ensure that each room has adequate lighting. Place nightlights close to stairs

and in hallways so they’re visible in the dark. Have a telephone available in all the common rooms so that your senior

visitors can easily make phone calls in case of an emergency. Ensure that all staircases have handrails that can be used for support.

Install motion sensor lights by the front and back doors so visitors can easily make their way to and from your house at night.

Always have non-slip slippers available for guests and encourage elder

visitors to use them instead of walking around in socks. Avoids slips and falls by including non-slip mats inside and outside the bath

or shower. Include handheld showerheads for bathing, as they are easier to use than

traditional showerheads.

Install “grab bars” near toilets and bathtubs for added support when sitting down or getting in/out of the shower.

Consider adding a toilet seat raiser, which makes it easier for elders to sit down.

Replace twist knobs on sinks with faucets – this will make it easier for people

who have arthritis or general discomfort in their wrists and hands. Make it easier for elders to reach plates, cups, and food by placing them on

lower shelves.