Bathrooms
A grab rail in the tub/shower is a good idea, along with a rubber mat with suction cups or a stool with non-skid feet. If possible, a walk-in shower is much better than a tub.
Lighting
Dark hallways, stairways, closets with high shelves and outdoor steps are fall risk areas. Install brighter light bulbs or new fixtures that take multiple bulbs. Add motion sensors so lights come on automatically when someone enters the area, and consider night lights that come on when it gets dark or have a motion sensor.
Safe reaching
Encourage the use of a folding step stool that has multiple steps and a high handrail instead of a small stool or chair when seniors want to reach things on high shelves or change a light bulb, clock or smoke/carbon monoxide detector batteries.
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Sensible storage
Help them reorganize storage to place items on lower shelves, even if they’re only used occasionally.
Railings and steps
Check railings on stairways and porch steps to make sure they’re securely anchored. If steps can become slippery, add stick-on traction strips.
Seasonal decor
Offer to bring holiday decorations and lights from the attic, an upstairs room or basement, and to help put them up.
Ice problems
Make sure older adults have a good supply of de-icer or sand to use on steps, walkways and driveways. For those who can’t easily lift a heavy jug, transfer the de-icer or sand to a container with a lid and add a scoop so they can scatter it more easily.
Snow removal
Make sure their snowblower is in good working order and that shovels, car scrapers and brushes are close at hand and in good shape. If an older person uses a shovel, it should have a back-saving handle to provide more stability when shoveling and prevent muscle strains.
More outdoor hazards
Make sure outdoor lights work and have automatic sensors. Check doormats to make sure they won’t slip. Clean gutters above entrances so melting snow doesn’t collect on steps and form ice.
Hopefully, these tips will allow your elderly loved one to maintain some sense of independence while staying safe and provide you a bit of comfort, especially if you live far away.