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The Baby boom generation is not going to take aging lying down. They want to remain
in their homes as long as possible, continue to be active, and spend their money
pursuing their interests. By taking a few precautions while you’re still active and
healthy, you can increase the likelihood of staying physically safe and independent in
your home.

Make your home senior friendly

Fortunately, there are many modifications and simple changes that can be made around
the home to make it safer and more senior friendly. Among them, are home
organization strategies that don’t cost a lot or require a handyman’s skills.
When thinking of home safety, people may not consider how excess clutter can become
a hazard. But in reality, it only takes a few things in the wrong places to cause a
potentially dangerous situation.

Remove obstructions
In the Kitchen

A simplified kitchen is a safer kitchen. By getting down to essentials, you can keep the
most often used pots, pans, and appliances in the area of your cupboards and cabinets
where they’re easiest to reach.
You can also move frequently-used items that are currently stored higher up, to a lower,
more convenient spot, eliminating the need for a stepstool.

In the bathroom

Adding a railing or grab bar to the tub area, and using a shower chair are great safety
features in the bathroom. Adding non-slip strips to the bottom of the bathtub, and a rug
with a rubber backing just outside the shower can also decrease the likelihood of falls.
But what you may not have considered is how clutter in the bathroom makes it less
safe. For example, bending and reaching are more difficult as we age, so too many
items under the sink can make it difficult to reach whatever is in the back.

Purchasing a rolling cart, or adding a shelf above the toilet could be a smart alternative
for keeping toiletries within easy reach.
Too many items on the countertop will increase the likelihood of something falling off
and breaking, possibly leaving broken glass or liquids on the floor. Avoid these
unnecessary hazards by clearing countertops and making room in cupboards or
drawers for the things you need on a daily basis.

Obstructions can cause accidents and falls, and blocked doorways can hinder your
escape in the event of a home fire. Pay particular attention to clutter in hallways and on staircase, especially if you need a cane or walker to maintain your stability. Area rugs
can become tripping hazards so it’s best to remove them.

Closets

Once again, decluttering and downsizing your possessions to what you really need,
want, and use, will allow you to store those items at a level where they’re easy to reach.
If possible, lower adjustable shelves to improve access. Store heavier items on the
floor and lighter ones on upper shelves, to reduce the chance of straining your back
when reaching for them. Purchase a claw-type grabber tool that you can use in any
room of your house to pick up items dropped on the floor or otherwise out of reach.

Shopping

Instead of buying in bulk or purchasing the largest size of a product, opt for smaller,
more manageable ones. Invest in a rolling cart if it’s a long walk from your car to your
door. Consider ordering groceries online, have your pharmacy deliver prescriptions, and
avoid stores by doing more shopping online. These options will save you from extra
walking and fatigue, and are especially helpful if you have mobility issues.

Other resources and services

There are many non-organizing steps you can take to make life easier at home. They
include

  • Safety alert monitoring
  • Medication reminders
  • Home health and companions
  • Bill paying and money management services
  • Yard services
  • Transportation alternatives
  • Stair lifts
  • Housekeeping services

To learn more, go to the National Institute on Aging website below for more
comprehensive information

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