Have you made any small home changes to make life safer as you get older?

kittylester

Oldnproud

A small, plug-in night light on the landing, to minimise the risk of anyone accidentally falling down the stairs while making their way to the bathroom in the dark.
This so nearly happened to me while still in my fifties, but I am sure the risk of this sort of thing happening grows with age.

Why do people put landing lights off overnight. We have always left a light on since we had children.

I can't answer for anyone else, but I don't like the landing light on during the night because I like the bedroom as dark as possible. Even with the door fully closed, too much light can be seen for my liking. I suppose that it wouldn't matter if I slept solidly all night, but I don't.

We recently had to make a few changes at my mother’s house after her knee surgery because the stairs suddenly became a real challenge for her.

For the first few days after the surgery, my brother and I were literally helping carry her up and down the stairs, which obviously was not something we could keep doing long-term. We ended up getting a stairlift installed, along with a wheelchair for longer distances around appointments and recovery.

We also added grab bars in the bathroom and a shower chair so she could bathe more safely without worrying about slipping. Honestly, none of these changes were huge renovations, but together they made a massive difference to her confidence and independence at home.

We honestly could not afford a brand new stairlift at the time, so we looked into used ones instead. I was pretty skeptical in the beginning, but the local dealer we found added a new battery, included a warranty, and the lift ended up working really well for her needs. If anyone around the Philly area is researching options and feeling overwhelmed by the pricing, I can definitely understand that situation.

I have mobility problems, Spinal Stenosis. Outside I use either a mobility scooter or else a powered small wheelchair if I am going on public transport.
In my flat I am able to cope pretty well. I do have a trolley to take anything from the kitchen into the living/dining room next to it. Not only does this ensure that everything arrives safely, but gives me support.

When I had my kitchen re-done a few years back, I tried to make it as accessible as possible. No high shelves, boiling water tap (no need for kettle), induction hobs, corner cupboards have swing out shelves, I do not have to kneel down to find items. Easy to clean, non-slip amtico flooring.

Same in my en-suite. Comfort height loo, non-slip amtico floor, folding seat in my shower, all built-in cupboards (makes cleaning floor so much easier). Bi-fold door on this, so if I did fall, i would not block anybody trying to reach me
In my bathroom which is mainly used by guests, I do have a shower over bath, but that bath is much lower and I have a screw on support handle to assist anyone needing to get into it either for bath or shower. Have a good grab rail at shower end.

Hard floor throughout flat (except in my own bedroom) east to clean, mop up spills of any sort, and safe. I do not climb anywhere for anything.

I have several quite serious medical conditions, but am able to live a totally independent life thanks to all the modern equipment. Alexa is also fixed so that should I have a bad fall I can just call out to that machine either to contact my nearby daughgter or even to call an ambulance.

Stuck down carpet edge with double-sided adhesive tape.

Madmeg

Can I ask those of you with "suction" grabrails in the bath to recommend ones that stay put? We have tried three different makes and all come unstuck.

I wish I could persuade DH to do away with carpet1s throughout - a nightmare to keep clean!

Madmeg this is the one we have in the shower room. It took 2 of us to force it onto the wall, but it has never moved.

LEVERLOC Shower Grab Rails, 43 CM... www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4KFPMXB?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share&tag=gransnetforum-21