Bathroom Safety Tips and Modifications for Seniors

Of all the rooms in your home, the one that usually contains the most potential dangers is the bathroom. This small space might seem unassuming, but it can pose risks due to slippery surfaces. In addition, a high level of mobility is often required to navigate the bathroom, such as when getting in and out of the tub or shower. In short, there can be a lot of potential hazards in the bathroom – especially for seniors.

Fortunately, this doesn’t need to be the case. With the right tips and modifications, you can turn your bathroom into a safer, easier-to-use environment. Here are a few bathroom safety tips and bathroom modifications for the elderly you can consider implementing in a loved one’s home or your own.

Help Eliminate Slippery Floors with Well-Placed Mats

Between showers and sinks, a lot of water flows through your bathroom! This water can create slipping hazards, especially during or after showers or baths. With well-placed bathmats and shower mats, you can create safe bathrooms for seniors and reduce risks during showers for the elderly. Adding a non-slip bathmat to the inside of your shower gives your feet additional traction and helps keep the inside of your shower from being a slippery place. Outside of the shower, adding a soft, absorbent bathmat to the bathroom floor can help soak up any water that spills out, reducing risks caused by slippery tiles.

Choose a Walk-In Shower

While showers with tubs might be a more common option, walk-in showers for seniors can be a safer choice to avoid any hazards caused by needing to step over the tub wall. If you do have to step into a tub, a sturdy bath step can make it easier to get in and out.

Install Handrails for Something to Hold Onto

Bathrooms don’t generally have a lot of handrails to hold onto. However, bathrooms tend to require a lot of rising and sitting down, as well as extended standing in the shower. Installing a rail in the shower or next to the toilet can be a big help. Installing permanent metal bars outside of the bathtub or shower is a good option, as these sturdy and durable bars can assist you in standing upright or help you get up from the toilet. Toilet aids offer many good solutions to make comfort and safety a top priority as well. 

Another great option is to invest in several suction grip tub assist bars in your bath for seniors, as these can be placed wherever you need them. They can be customized from person to person and can create a safer space for your unique needs at an affordable price.

install permanent metal bars

Toilet Risers for Added Support

Toilet risers are a fantastic choice when it comes to making safety adjustments to your bathroom. These support bars are added to the area around your toilet so that you have bars to hold onto. These convenient handrails also offer support when you need to stand up, and they help you do so without straining yourself. Affordable, foldable and easy to use, these support options can be a great choice for creating a safer bathroom.

These are just a few of our tips and recommendations for creating the safest bathroom possible. Your unique needs might mean that you need different modifications, but fortunately, Easy Comforts offers a wide variety of bathroom accessories and aids for your needs. Take a look and find what works best for you.

Sleep Health – Sleep Products for Better Sleep Comfort

Quality sleep is essential and it may be time to re-evaluate your sleep accessories and products. Sometimes all that stands between you and a great night’s sleep is the right set of pillows and bedding. The sleep health collection from Easy Comforts is filled with pillows designed for optimal wellness and bedding to go with them. We also carry a variety of sleep products such as our anti-snore solutions that provide natural remedies for this common issue. Healthy sleeping is important and any one of these innovative sleep products can make a big difference in getting a peaceful night’s rest.

Pillows for Better Sleep Habits

Traditionally shaped pillows are not always ideal for every sleeper. Some people need far more support and specialized comfort for their bodies and sleeping habits. If you think that you need help getting a good night’s sleep, take a look at our unique comfort pillows for sleep to see if one might be able to help you get comfortable at night.

Choose a cervical support pillow or a neck and shoulder pillow if you frequently experience pain or discomfort in your neck or upper back after sleeping. We also carry a variety of foam knee pillows and leg lifter pillows if you are a side sleeper. Place one of these between your knees to keep your spine aligned and help ease lower-back pain.

Finding the best type of pillow for sleep is important, and some of our other pillows are designed for specific purposes, such as our pillows that help reduce various types of stress or snoring. There are also body pillows and wrap-around pillows if you need full-body support at night. We also offer bamboo pillows and cool pillows that keep you from overheating.

Bedding

You may be wondering how exactly you’re supposed to find a pillowcase for all of our oddly shaped pillows. Good sleep hygiene is another thing to consider when using a special sleep pillow. We also carry a variety of special pillow covers and pillow protectors to keep your new supportive pillow clean and protected. We also offer pillowcases for normal pillows such as our quilted pillow covers and bamboo pillow protectors. Make sure that your mattress stays clean and dry with one of our mattress protectors.

Snore Prevention and Sleep Accessories

If you or your partner snores loudly at night, chances are neither of you are sleeping very well. Discovering how to sleep better with the help of anti-snoring products can bring sweet relief. While snoring can indicate a more serious medical condition, we do carry some sleep accessories to help minimize snoring. Try our snoring chinstrap or our snore-preventing mouth guard to keep your mouth from falling open all night. We also have anti-snore nasal vents and a selection of humidifiers to keep your sinuses from getting dry.

Sleep and Aging: How to Get Better Sleep Health

Getting enough sleep each night is a proven way to ensure you can function at peak level during the day. When you are rested you have plenty of energy for doing the things you must do and the things you love to do. However, some people develop sleep problems in late adulthood that can lead to health issues that may impact their quality of life. This guide can help you understand more about common sleep and aging issues, and it provides some useful sleep health tips for seniors.

How Much Sleep Does a Senior Citizen Need?

After reaching 60-plus, it’s common for senior sleep problems to emerge out of the blue. This can cause a person to wonder about, “how much sleep does a senior need?”

The answer is seven to eight hours of sleep per night, just like everyone else. If that surprises you, it’s because there is a myth that older people need less sleep. The reality is that seniors’ sleep requirements are the same as younger adults. Any issues that are disrupting a good night’s rest should be addressed.

How Does Sleep Affect Mental Health?

The impact of sleep on mental health varies, but generally, it’s harder to concentrate and focus during the day when you don’t get enough sleep. In addition to reduced alertness, a lack of sleep can affect one’s mood in a negative way. For instance, some people get downright cranky when they don’t get enough sleep.

Common Sleep Problems

The following are some of the common problems that can interfere with an older person’s normal sleep patterns.

Daytime drowsiness. Being so sleepy that you can barely keep your eyes open is commonly due to lack of sleep. Anxiety, depression and stress are a few issues disrupting sleep, leading to daytime drowsiness. Some prescription medications may also cause this symptom. Natural sleep remedies for elderly persons that contain ingredients that reduce sleepiness are one way to resolve chronic drowsiness.

Insomnia. It’s no secret that insomnia in the elderly is all too common. Causes of insomnia in the elderly are rooted in each individual’s personal health habits, mental and physical issues and lifestyle. Whatever is causing the insomnia, a weighted blanket offers calming, therapeutic pressure that contributes to relaxation.

Nighttime urination. For some, incontinence is the reason why some seniors can never get enough nighttime sleep. This can be resolved with strategic use of quality incontinence products.

Pain. As we age, pain in the joints, muscles and nerves can keep one tossing and turning throughout the night. Luckily, there are natural pain remedies that can bring fast relief.

Restless leg syndrome. Leg spasms and/or twitching is going to make it difficult to sleep. Taking a warm bath or a cool shower before bedtime is one way to reduce, or eliminate, this issue. Another is to use a nighttime homeopathic leg cream that includes magnesium.

Sleep apnea. Breathing obstruction caused by a partial or repeated collapse of the airway is what causes sleep problems for some elderly people. How do you know if you have sleep apnea? Daytime drowsiness, headaches and a lack of mental focus are common symptoms. A CPAP machine is commonly prescribed as a fix for this problem. But is there a way to learn how to cure sleep apnea naturally?

Actually, there are tips that show you how to sleep better with sleep apnea. Switching from a back sleeping position to a side one is one remedy for adults. Another one is to moisten the air by running a room humidifier at night.

How to Manage Adult Incontinence

Each day, adults from every lifestyle are discovering that they’ve been diagnosed with urinary incontinence. While this condition can affect adults of any age, it usually occurs during the senior years, and it’s especially prevalent for adults over the age of 65.

Is incontinence a normal part of aging?

It is for some people. However, in addition to aging, certain health conditions can cause one to become incontinent, as well as lifestyle choices. Regardless of what causes it, an average of 25 million Americans experience mild to heavy incontinence, requiring solutions for effective and discreet incontinence care.

If you are looking for suggestions on how to deal with elderly incontinence, the information in this quick guide can help provide workable ideas for a home-based incontinence management plan. This information is also useful for caregivers seeking ways to make urinary incontinence treatment for elderly clients manageable.

Behavioral Therapy Strategies

Typically, an incontinence management plan involves some type of behavioral therapy (BT). As its name suggests, treatment involves adapting behaviors that help keep the condition under control. Some, or all, of these therapeutic remedies can be incorporated into a urinary incontinence treatment for elderly people with this condition, but which ones may depend on the person’s level of independence and other lifestyle or medical factors.

Managing Fluid Intake and Diet

The type and amounts of beverages consumed during the course of the day can play a role in how often someone gets the urge to urinate. For instance, some common beverages can aggravate the bladder, leading to an increased urge to release fluid from the bladder. Favorites that may have to be eliminated or restricted in quantity include carbonated sodas, milk, alcohol and tea. Removing or reducing bladder irritants such as honey and spicy foods may also be necessary to improve bladder control.

Delaying Urination

Extending the length of time between urges to urinate is a proven way to gain more control over the bladder. This behavior therapy technique takes time and patience to learn and it’s a gradual process. Double voiding is another delaying technique that can help with control. This technique involves urination as normal, waiting a few minutes, and then completely releasing what remains in the bladder.

Pelvic Floor Exercises

Pelvic floor exercises is one of the most recommended remedies for those seeking adult incontinence advice. Also known as kegels, these targeted movements help strengthen pelvic floor muscles, which support the bladder. Doing these exercises regularly a few times a day can help reduce leaks. They must be done correctly to reap the benefits. Using kegel exercise tools such as a traditional exerciser or biofeedback exerciser can make this type of workout easier.

Scheduling Bathroom Visits

Some may find this method too restrictive, but this technique does work for those who may want or need a structured way to increase control. Bathroom visits can be scheduled for certain times of the day, before or after meals or tasks, etc.

Essential Home Care Tips

There are other things you can do to enhance the quality of incontinence care.

Keep Skin Clean, Dry and Moisturized

The excess moisture associated with incontinence can cause mild to severe skin irritation. Avoid this with quality incontinence skincare products such as cleansing wipes and skin protecting creams.

Slip-and-Fall Protection A dash to the bathroom can result in an unexpected slip-and-fall accident. Taking measures to ensure bathroom safety can help prevent these accidents. Secure the bathroom with protective toilet support and grab bars where needed.

How to Manage Diabetic Foot Pain at Home

Diabetes is a serious health condition that requires constant vigilance to stay on top of symptoms. The feet and toes are especially susceptible to the ravages of long-term high blood sugar, and this can lead to various levels of diabetic nerve pain in the feet. Your diabetes may cause pain in one foot, one or more toes or both feet at the same time. One thing is for sure; when the pain comes, it can be extremely unpleasant, and it may even be debilitating.

Managing diabetic foot pain when it occurs is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. You want to be able to nip this pain in the bud as quickly as possible so that you can get back to doing the things you enjoy. The following useful information can help you discover various types of diabetic foot pain treatment for an at-home self-care plan.

Common Foot Pain Symptoms

Recognizing the most common types of foot pain caused by high blood sugar is a part of understanding when treatment is necessary. You may experience any of the following symptoms:

Increased foot sensitivity. You feel pain in your foot with the slightest touch or when you put weight on it.

Numbness. You notice that your feet can barely feel any sensations of cold, hot or pain.

Burning or tingling. Your feet feel like they are being burned from the inside or there is tingling throughout the foot or toe.

Cramps or pain. Putting pressure on your feet causes painful cramping or you feel sharp pains.

Infections. An area of the foot turns red and there is a feeling of warmth along with painful swelling or red streaks.

Ulcers. A reddish crater forms on the side of the foot, bottom of the foot or on a toe. Callused, thick skin may border the ulcer and a foul-smelling discharge may ooze from the ulcer.

Remedies for Managing Diabetic Foot Pain

There are various ways to approach diabetic foot pain treatment, and your choice of home remedies for diabetic nerve pain, or ulcer pain, may involve using more than one type of remedy.

Alpha-lipoic Acid (ALA)

Alpha-lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant that occurs naturally in your body. It can also be found in certain foods such as red meat, organ meat, broccoli, brussels sprouts, spinach and rice bran. Studies show that ALA lowers blood sugar levels. Supplements containing this fat and water-soluble acid are also available and if you choose to take them it’s best to follow dosage recommendations.

Pain-Reducing Creams

Diabetic foot pain relief comes in the form of formulated creams that can be relied upon to reduce or eliminate pain and other symptoms. Look for homeopathic foot cream formulas that absorb quickly into the skin and treat several symptoms at the same time.

Soothing Epsom Salt

Epsom salt is a timeless home remedy for all sorts of foot issues. Typically, this treatment involves soaking one or both feet in a foot basin filled with Epsom salt and water. If you don’t want to deal with foot soaking, you can get the same kind of soothing relief with a foot rub containing Epsom salt.

The information presented here is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.  Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Which Incontinence Product Type is Right for You?

The onset of adult incontinence can bring about a slew of questions and what many men and women with this condition want to know is: What product is best for incontinence?

It’s common to want to know how to find the best bladder-support products available for this condition. Because time is of the essence, this easy-to-read guide quickly answers questions like: Is incontinence underwear better than pads? And how to choose the best incontinence underwear for women. Once you have this valuable knowledge, you’ll be well on your way to managing any type of incontinence situation.

What is your leakage level?

Before deciding what type of bladder leakage products are right for you, it’s a good idea to take stock of how much protection you need. There are three levels to consider and you should choose the level that fits your day-to-day experience.

Light. For small leaks that happen periodically, you can choose the lightest form of incontinence protection. Light leaks are often caused by coughs, laughter, or sudden urges.

Moderate. Moderate incontinence is typified by an occasional, sudden urge to urinate and there may be some amount of control. Leakage ranges from moderate to heavy, and the best absorbency products offer moderate to heavy absorbency all day.

Heavy. Sudden leaks with heavy liquid leakage that are difficult to control fall within this category. Look for products offering the highest level of absorption during the day. For nighttime, the best incontinence products for heavy leakage are overnight pads and underwear with superior heavy leak protection.

What is the Best Incontinence Underwear?

When you are looking for the best incontinence underwear for women and men, it’s good to know that there are fashionable style choices available. There are two main options for leakage protection: disposable and reusable. Depending on your personal preference, you may want to use one or the other or you may decide to use both types – go with whatever bladder support products that make you the most comfortable for a given situation.

Disposable Incontinence Underwear

Disposable incontinence underwear is designed for one-time wear and they can be the best choice for those times when you need temporary protection. Absorbency typically lasts for up to eight hours and the best ones are nice and comfortable. They should also come with built-in odor protection.

Reusable Incontinence Underwear

The desire to wear “regular” style underwear is common among those living with incontinence. Fortunately, you can easily find attractive reusable underwear styles for men and women seeking discreet protection.

Men’s styles. Protective briefs and boxer briefs in white and other fashion colors are available for men. Briefs come in various sizes with various amounts of leak protection. Stick to the same size as you normally wear. Add an incontinence pad for extra protection when needed.

Women’s styles. Incontinence underwear for women come in similar panty and brief styles as popular styles worn by many women. Most styles are suitable for light to moderate absorption. You can always add a liner pad for more protection.

Best Incontinence Pads Choosing the best pads to wear with underwear for incontinence is a matter of knowing what you want. Here too, you also have a choice between disposable pads and reusable pads. Disposable pads made of cotton offer the most reliable comfort. Quality reusable pads provide protection and savings.

Healthy Aging & Pain Awareness Month – Home Safety Tips

Staying fit and healthy during your senior years is all about being aware of what steps to take to feel your best. It just so happens that Healthy Aging Month in September coincides with Pain Management Awareness Month, providing us with a great opportunity to share healthy aging tips while spreading the word about pain management.

Get Moving

It’s perfectly natural to slow down a bit as we age, and you may notice that you have less desire to be physically active. Yet, the body requires regular movement to be in its best condition. Finding ways to become more physically active can bring many long-term benefits, especially when it comes to improved mobility and stamina. While you don’t need to work out very intensely, putting in the time for minor exercise with exercise equipment can help keep you limber. Walking is an easy, low-impact activity that can be done indoors or outdoors. Steppers and peddle bikes are helpful for seniors who want an easy-to-do indoor workout. Mobility accessories can help with enhanced ease of mobility.

Eat Healthy

You are what you eat is more than just a catchy slogan. Food plays an important role in how you feel and function. If you eat a lot of fast food packed with calories, for instance, you may notice a feeling of sluggishness. Likewise, eating too much junk food filled with empty calories or processed food with preservatives can interfere with optimal health. Take this opportunity to evaluate your daily diet and make sure you are including recommended amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, fish and lean meats in your diet. Revamp your grocery list to include more of these foods and less of the fat-laden, over-processed items that contribute to obesity and poor health.

Stay Mentally Alert and Upbeat

Even though you can’t see it, your brain is the central control system for your mind and body. It makes sense to give it the same attention you give to being physically fit. Studies show that brain teasers can help with mental function, and you can have fun solving puzzles while helping your mind stay alert and stable. Having a positive mindset is also important for your overall health. Keep the blues at bay by staying in touch with friends, doing fun activities and staying young at heart.

Be Creative

Tap into your creative side. Even if you don’t think you’re creative, there is a spark of creativity in you – you just need to let it shine. If you’ve always wanted to be an artist, now is the time to become one. Or perhaps your inner voice keeps chirping about a certain hobby that you always wanted to take up but didn’t for various reasons. Give yourself the freedom to explore all of the countless ways you can express creativity. Remember, it’s never too late to learn something new and get really good at it.

Learn About Pain Management

Managing pain has become one of the biggest issues facing seniors and for all of September, you can play an active role in the education and promotion of Pain Awareness Month. Spend some time this month learning more about the latest advances in managing pain for conditions such as arthritis, back pain and headaches. Other chronic pain conditions include cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Discuss what you learn with family and friends in person and on any social media platforms you use. You can also make yourself or a loved one more comfortable with pain relief products.

Finding the Right Mobility Aids for Seniors

Mobility aids have improved so much that anyone who needs help getting around can find a useful tool to help out. There are various reasons for needing a mobility aid and options range from the walking cane to power wheelchairs. Choosing the mobility aid that’s best for you comes down to how you intend to use it, the level of mobility support you require and personal preference. In some cases, a doctor, therapist or other medical professional may recommend using certain aids.

Whether you need a temporary mobility aid or one for the long haul, we can help you sort out the differences between each type.

Canes

The walking cane is one of the most widely used and recognized mobility aids. The basic cane design has been around for centuries and in bygone eras, they consisted mainly of carved and polished wood. Well, thankfully, those days are gone, and the modern cane is a lot more comfortable and flexible to use.

The basic cane has either a c-shaped handle or horizontal handle at the top, an elongated pole and a single foot, with a rubber tip for stability. Most canes are made of lightweight aluminum or an aluminum blend. Enhanced canes may come with ergonomic handles, adjustable height or folding ability and a handy carrying strap. There are also canes with additional feet for greater stability and canes with an attached seat for resting on the go. You can even find canes in fashionable colors and patterns. Consider the level of walking support you need and your desire for convenience when choosing a cane.

Rollators and Walkers

Rollators are highly popular mobility aids that can help you get from point A to point B a lot faster than a cane or traditional walker. They are built for easy travel over sidewalks and roads and they typically have a sturdy frame with handles, adjustable height and four wheels for gliding along. Rollators are ideal for trips to the store, errands and social outings. If you need to rest between stops, choose a model with a plush seat.

A traditional walker offers a sturdy frame to lean on while taking one step, and then another at a slow to moderate pace. Four feet are covered with rubber tips and handrail grips may also be non-slip. Some contemporary models include two front wheels for easier mobility. Upper body strength is needed to move a walker forward. These are more useful for getting around indoor spaces.

Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs are either manual or powered. Most people do fine with a manual wheelchair, which vary in weight and design. All-purpose manual wheelchairs have large rubber wheels, which are propelled forward or backwards using the arms. Those with weak upper body strength and those who prefer a faster chair can opt for a power wheelchair. Automatic wheelchairs are sometimes covered by insurance, and if not, they require a considerable investment.

Tip: Make a wheelchair more comfortable to sit in for long stretches of time by adding a quality wheelchair cushion.

Transport Chairs

A transport chair combines the comfort and ease of a rollator with a manual wheelchair. In rollator mode, it provides steady rolling support for every step. In transport chair mode, it has a cozy seat and footrest. Another person is needed for pushing due to its manual operation. If this type of flexibility is desired, it’s a good option for switching between walking aid and sitting aid.

Better Living: 4 Ways to Increase Senior Mobility

Once you reach a certain age, you may feel yourself slowing down and being less physically active. This is natural, and yet, mobility often suffers when there isn’t enough physical and mental stimulation. Plus, a lack of mobility can negatively impact your health. So, how can you improve your mobility and restore a feeling of youthful energy? The following tips can help you make positive changes that can lead to big improvements.

1. Do Low-Impact Exercises & Walking

Adding some moderate exercise into your weekly routine can rev up your body’s internal core for improved mobility. Four key exercise goals to focus on are endurance, balance, stretching and strength training. You can participate in one, two or all of them, depending on your personal preferences.

  • Endurance. These activities help increase the oxygen levels in the blood and increases the heart rate. Any type of aerobic exercise helps to build endurance. Suggestions include walking for 15 to 30 minutes, swimming and going for a bike ride. Doing activities around the house such as yardwork also helps with endurance.
  • Balance. Increase your stability and strengthen leg muscles with balance exercises or learn to use a balance board or disc.
  • Stretching. These exercises warm up the muscles before doing other types of exercises. They can also help ease muscle tension and improve blood circulation, which is also good for limber muscles and joints.
  • Strength Training. Lifting weights is a great way to build muscle strength, something the body needs for a strong walking stride. It can also help with stability. Guided training led by a professional is highly recommended.

2. Enjoy an Active Social Life

Get up off the couch and find ways to increase your social life. This may mean volunteering for charities and local events. Or you may decide to join a senior center group to go on fun outings with friends. There are always new adventures awaiting you when you are willing to live life to its fullest.

3. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Being overweight can impede mobility and the extra weight can wear out knee joints, leading to painful walking. Make the commitment to lose a certain number of pounds by a certain date. Set realistic goals and always follow a healthy eating and exercise plan for best results. Use apps to keep track of your progress and allow yourself one or two cheat days to avoid feeling deprived.

4. Use Quality Mobility Aids

Should you be at a point where you need the help of mobility aids to remain mobile, make sure you obtain aids of good quality to ensure maximum support. For many, a walking cane is a useful tool that helps improve mobility by relieving stress on weak or tired legs. There are several types of canes, and it’s best to do some research to find one that fits your specific needs. For instance, an ergonomic cane is great for enhancing posture while walking. A folding cane offers easy convenience for travel, and a walking cane with an attached seat allows you to sit and rest instead of stand.

Home Safety: Top 8 Bedroom Safety Tips for Seniors

Relaxing in the bedroom should be a pleasant experience for seniors. However, the bedroom can sometimes be a place of hidden hazards, which is why this short guide is a must-read. These tips can help seniors keep their most private space a safe place to sleep, read and watch TV day and night.

1. Improve Bed Safety

Is this bed safe enough? That’s a question every senior should ask themselves. Considering it is the most important piece of furniture in the room, making it safe should be a top priority. The first thing to consider is how to safely get into and out of bed. Good balance is essential. If a bed is too low, you can use bed leg risers to lift it up. If it’s too high, use a stepstool to gain easier access. Worried about falling out of bed? Bed rails are an easy fix for this common issue.

Be aware of the length of bedding. To prevent accidental tripping and falling, keep the ends of sheets, blankets and covers off the floor, away from walking paths. Also, move spare pillows out of your path instead of attempting to step over or around them.

2. Stability is a Must

Just like it is in other areas of the home, stability is important when getting around the bedroom. Carpeting can be a problem when there are unsecured areas. This can be fixed by taping carpet edges down. Remove area rugs that don’t include non-slip backing. If a doorway threshold has a gap, make repairs to create an even floor.

Replace lightweight nightstands and chairs with heavier furnishings that offer solid stability. Make sure you can balance your wait while holding onto the edge.

3. Have Adequate Lighting

Make sure the bedroom has enough lighting to provide good illumination for walking and performing tasks. Lamps on nightstands are a good idea and they should be easy to reach and turn on and off.

4. Upgrade to Safer Handles

For seniors who struggle with conditions such as arthritis, using a round doorknob may prove to be painful. Remedy this issue by switching to easier to use lever-style handles for doors. You may also want to replace cabinet handles with a “D” style pull to avoid twisting hand motions.

5. Remove Electric Cord Hazards

It’s common for seniors to have a cluster of electronic cords occupying floor space along with other furnishings. While appliance cords and extension cords are a necessary nuisance, they can also be a dangerous trip and fall hazard. Clear away cord mess by using strong tape to adhere them to floorboards or the wall or use any style of cord organizer.

6. Install a Smoke Detector

Fires can start at any time, and they pose a serious safety risk to anyone who doesn’t know a fire is raging in another area of the home. To avoid being trapped inside your bedroom during a fire, install a smoke detector near the bedroom entrance. It’s simple to do and it can save lives should a fire erupt while you’re sound asleep.

7. Get Rid of Clutter & Trip Hazards

Bedroom clutter is a leading cause of trip and fall accidents at home. Create a plan and choose a day to clear away all of the unwanted junk and items cluttering up the room.

8. Wear Slip-Proof Slippers & Socks

What you choose to wear on your feet in the bedroom can be the difference between a fall and a stable, easy walk to the bed and other areas. Consider wearing non-slip footwear and socks for comfort and safety.