Safety becomes increasingly important as your or your loved ones age. According to the U.S. Census Report, 36.7% of Sarasota County population is over the age of 65. As a Real Estate Agent, I have spotted potential hazards for senior living when viewing homes and wanted to create a simple checklist that covered basic safety tips to protect our seniors and allow them the opportunity to stay in the comfort of their own home as they age.
For free and instant download of the entire checklist please visit: https://www.juliasrq.com/seniorsafetyguide
According to the Council’ s The State of Home Safety in America™ research report, each year on average preventable injuries in the home:
• Result in nearly 20,000 deaths
• Cause nearly 21 million medical visits
• Are the fifth leading cause of death overall
• Are 2.5 times more likely to cause injury than car crashes
• Are largely preventable when home safety practices are put into action at home
Over the years, home designs have allowed for more spacious bathrooms but the most popular bathroom size is 5×8 and by the time you add in a tub, sink and toilet the actual floor space is very limited. With the bathroom being one of the most dangerous and accident prone areas in the home, there are ways that you can make the bathroom safer.
Water on porcelain or tile creates a very slippery surface and your shower/tub should be carefully considered before moving to a new place. A non-slip treatment can be applied to floors and showers, I have a great local company in Sarasota I can recommend to you, other safe measures include:
1. Add grab bars in the shower and next to the toilet.
2. Toilet height is different for everyone depending on your height. When seated your feet should be flat on the floor with your thighs parallel to the floor.
3. Use only thin, non-slip bath-mats on the floors
4. Hot/Cold should be clearly marked to reduce the risk of getting scalded.
5. Invest in a transfer bench if needed.
6. Be sure there is adequate lighting throughout the bathroom, even with the shower curtain drawn
About the Author: Julia Clark, REALTOR at RoseBay Real Estate 941)706-8188
Julia@RoseBay.com
