How to keep your home safe for seniors and little ones at the holidays

This time of year can mean fuller households for many of us, as we spend time with family over the holiday weekend. If you have grandparents or little ones living with you, or coming over for the holidays or to visit, here’s some home adaption tips to keep them safe.

Bedroom

• Whatever bedroom a senior is staying in, ideally should be on a main floor. If not possible, have the room easily accessible.
• Have lights that will illuminate the path from the door to the bed if needed.
• Have a flashlight handy or night light.
• Have sleeping arrangements that cater to small children (cribs for babies, lower beds for toddlers, etc.)

Bathroom

• Install a grab bar in the bathroom by the bathtub/shower which will help ease seniors in and out safely.
• Install non-slip flooring in the bathroom, or try a bathmat that doesn’t slip.
• Put a rubber mat in the bathtub, these can be easily found at most home and hardware stores.
• Install a handheld showerhead that can be switched on and off.
• Get child-proof locks for cupboards or medicine cabinets where unsafe items can be found.

Entrances

• Ensure you have adequate lighting at all entrances to the home.
• Keep your walkways clear of ice, snow and other obstacles.
• Have handles or bars near all steps to the home.

Hallways

• Ensure adequate lighting in all hallways and stairways.
• Ensure handles are sturdy and easily reachable on all stairways.

Closets and storage

• Install lights in all closets.
• Consider installing lower shelves for easier access.

Kitchen

• If a senior lives in your home, consider lowering the cabinets.
• If a senior lives in your home, consider installing pull-out shelves underneath your counters to allow for working from a seated position.
• Have a fire extinguisher nearby or in the kitchen.
• Keep child-proof locks on any cupboards that have unsafe items in them.
• Avoid having anything dangling or hanging off an edge where a child can grab it or pull it down.

We hope you have a safe and happy holiday weekend with family!