Today we are seeing more seniors choose to stay in the comforts of their home and live more independently as they age. However, in some homes there might be a few overlooked safety hazards that could potentially cause issues if left unaltered. Home safety modifications have come a long way, and now there are many new solutions to help keep people at home safe and more protected.
It might not be the most pleasant thing to think about, but if someone you love lives alone, they might be susceptible to the dangers of small and often, overlooked features within their own homes.
As a nurse registry referring caregivers for in-home assistance, VIP America understands the importance of safety in the home. In addition to having a qualified caregiver, there are certain installations of home safety modifications that can help keep seniors safe.
Top Senior Safety Home Modifications
- Installing Ramps. As we age, stairs become more difficult and dangerous, especially if certain health issues exist. These are also crucial for seniors with mobility issues or in a wheelchair.
- Widening Doorways. Standard size doorways are not typically wide enough to allow wheelchairs or walkers easily.
- Flooring Modifications. Nonslip mats are inexpensive and great to have around places such as the bathroom and kitchen to prevent slips on wet floors. Also, keep in mind bunched up or bulky rugs or other unsafe surfaces which could be a fall risk.
- Shower/Bath Modifications. With the helping hand of a caregiver, walk-in tubs allow for easier bathing and personal care.
- Safety Bars. Installing safety bars in bathrooms and along stairways or ramps is crucial to help make moving around and getting up and down easier.
- Kitchen Modifications. Seniors may have trouble reaching cabinets or countertops, especially if they use a wheelchair. These items can be lowered or altered to be more accessible.
Paying for Safety Modifications
Some home modifications are simple and inexpensive, while others mentioned can be costly. But the good news is that there are assistance programs already in place for those who need help paying for home modifications.
Here is a list of financial solutions to help those needing in home safety modifications for each of our coverage areas:
Florida Statewide-
Elder Helpline toll-free at 1-800-96 ELDER (1-800-963-5337)
- A National Nonprofit called Rebuilding Together, helps seniors make their homes safer.
Find Your Local Affiliate | Rebuilding Together
- If a doctor prescribes a specific home modification, contact Medicare or Medicaid to see if this service could be covered.
- Veteran’s Affairs is another great resource for seniors who are Vets. Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs | Connecting veterans to federal and state benefits they have earned. (floridavets.org)
- Resource list for seniors with disabilities needing grants for home safety modifications.
Home Modification Grants for People with Disabilities – HomeAdvisor
Southwest- Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida, Inc.
2830 Winkler Ave, Ste. 112
Fort Myers, FL 33916
Central- Senior Resource Alliance
3319 Maguire Blvd., Ste. 100,
Orlando, FL 32803
www.seniorresourcealliance.com
Southeast- Area Agency on Aging of Palm Beach/Treasure Coast, Inc.
4400 N. Congress Ave.
West Palm Beach, FL 33407
Area Agency on Aging Palm Beach | Home (aaapbtc.org)
Here is a free guide from AARP which highlights some simple home safety solutions, room by room. AARP HomeFit Guide
Who We Are and Why We Care
As a licensed nurse registry with the state of Florida, VIP America is here to help refer quality in-home caregivers to keep you, or a loved at home living comfortably and independently longer. With three generations of leadership within the company, we continue to strive to make “People Helping People Stay Independent,” a priority.
Give us a call if you or someone you love needs in-home care. Based on your needs, we refer caregivers for personal care, companion, live-in, homemakers, and nursing services throughout central, southeast, and southwest Florida.
