Safety In The Living Room

869 Words4 Pages

Your aging parent wants to live alone and remain independent. However, each room of your parent’s home includes danger zones or areas that can increase accident risk. Understand the major danger zones in your parent’s home and behavior as well as safety modifications you and your parent can make to ensure your loved one remains safe and independent at home.

Kitchen

One of the most used rooms in a house, the kitchen also features numerous dangers. It may be inaccessible for a wheelchair user or include potential fire hazards.

Improve safety and give your parent a functional space to prepare meals when you:

Lower the stove to 28 inches.

Select an oven with push-button controls on the front.

Hang a mirror above the stove to watch cooking …show more content…

Select a shallow sink with a flexible spray hose.

Replace table runners and tablecloths with placemats to prevent trips and falls.

Living Room

Your loved one may watch TV, read books and socialize with friends in the living room. This area may contain clutter, shag carpet or sharp-edged furniture that can harm your parent, though.

Consider several modifications that improve safety and functionality in the living room.

Tuck electrical wires behind furniture or along baseboards.

Remove clutter to maximize space and reduce fire hazards.

Rearrange furniture to provide a 36-inch wide space for improved mobility.

Replace shag carpet with a low-pile option, laminate or tile.

Add extra lighting, particularly near reading or craft areas.

Use a grab tool to pick up dropped items.

Bedroom

Ideally, the bedroom will provide your parent with a comfortable space to sleep and get dressed. Excess furniture, piles of clothing and other hazards can make this room dangerous, though.

Reassess the bedroom’s layout and remove dangers as you create a safe haven for your parent.

Pad sharp bed, dresser and table corners.

Remove unused furniture to improve wheelchair

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