16 ways to help keep granny [or grandad] safe in their home!!

As my mother is getting older and more frail I am very aware of the risk of her falling, tripping or burning herself with severe consequences if this happens..

So below have shown the things we have in and around the home to help minimise these type of accidents…..

1 Make sure at the front door there are no steps to fall up or down – install a ramp.

2 Fit a thermostatic mixer tap to keep the water an ok temperature at the sink

3 Make sure they cannot burn themselves on radiators- install low temperature radiators

4 Avoid sharp edges to worktops – cut of the corner edges when they are installed

5 Avoid rugs as they tend to move or can be tripped over

6 Have an inset front door mat if one is needed

7 At the front or back door remove the risk of tripping by installing a level threshold

8 Fit a thermostatic shower valve to stop the hot water getting too hot in the shower

9 Install a non slip shower tray to help avoind slips when washing

10 Fit a raised toilet pan or fit on a plinth to help people getting on or of the toilet

11 Fit a low level shower tray to help with access into it

12 Install handles around the property to hold onto, in the shower area, next to the toilet, at the front door – anywhere an extra steadying point might be helpful

13 Make door openings as wide as possible especially if building new go for maximum door size width – ideal for general life but even better if a wheelchair is needed or furniture needs moving at any time

14 Install a wet room type floor in the shower room

15 Have lights operated with a PIR sensor so they come on automatically should people come in or go out at night

16 Avoid having any raised manholes or kerbs in or around the garden or drive to trip over

I am sure there are more these are just the main ones I have found out about as we have lived together, I would love to hear other peoples ideas and experiences of how they have kept a relative safe?

Thanks

David