Caregivers can do several things to make the home safer for their senior mom or dad.

• Install safety bars, grab bars or handrails in the shower or bath.
• Put no-stick tape on the floor in the tub.
• Use a stool riser seat to make getting on and off the toilet easier.
• Install at least one stairway handrail that extends beyond the first and last steps.
• Make sure stairs are sturdy with strong hand railings.
• Be sure that stairwells are well-lit. Consider making the lighting in your home brighter to aid vision.
• Make sure rugs, including those on stairs, are tacked to the floor.
• Remove loose throw rugs.
• Avoid clutter. Remove any furniture that is not needed. All remaining furniture should be stable and without sharp corners, to minimize the effects of a fall.
• Change the location of furniture, so that your elderly parent can hold on to something as they move around the house.
• Do not have electrical cords trailing across the floor. Have additional base plugs installed so long cords are not necessary.
• Have your parent wear non-slip shoes or slippers, rather than walking around in stocking feet.
• Make sure all rooms have adequate lighting. Consider motion-sensitive lights that come on when a person enters a room. Use night lights in every room.
• Keep frequently used items in easy-to-reach cabinets.
• Use a grasping tool to get at out-of-reach items, rather than a chair or stepladder.
• Keep the water heater thermostat set at 120 degrees F, or lower, to avoid scalding and burns.
• Wipe up spills and remove broken glass immediately.

For more information check out agingcare.com.