Trusted Health Products
Written By Emma Sturgis / Reviewed By Ray Spotts
Many of us want to stay in our own homes as we age. It's familiar - it's home. We want to preserve our independence, but limited mobility and safety concerns may hinder us. Fortunately, there are things we can do to make our homes safer:
Prevent Falls
The biggest obstacle to maintaining mobility and independence as we age is the danger of falling. According to the CDC, 36 million adults aged 65 and over fall each year, resulting in more than 32,000 deaths. Fortunately, many falls are preventable. Here are a few things to do to avoid falling:
- Remove throw rugs
- Use low-pile carpet
- Install a sturdy bed handrail
- Move cords and cables
- Remove clutter
- Install night lights
- Use treads on all steps
- Keep wooden and tile floors in good repair
- Invest in brighter lighting
Modify the Bathroom
Bathrooms can be dangerous places: eighty percent of falls in the home occur in the bathroom. Floors are slick and wet, space is limited, and all surfaces are hard. To make a bathroom safer:
- Install a walk-in shower or tub
- Install grab bars and handrails
- Use non-slip bath mats, not rugs
- Use shower chairs or shower transfer benches
- Place non-slip decals or a mat on the floor of the bathtub or shower
- Install a raised toilet seat
Use Assistive Mobility Devices
Assistive mobility devices can help you be safe in your home:
- Stair lifts can be installed to help you navigate stairs safely
- Many issues cause dizziness and balance problems as you stand up. An electric lift chair can provide a comfortable resting place and help you rise slowly and safely to a standing position.
Make Structural Changes To Your Home
Another way to prepare to age in place is to make structural changes to your home. These are more expensive and time-consuming to get done, but they will be well worth it if you plan to stay in your home as you age. These include:
- Widening doorways
- Building ramps for wheelchair access
- Building zero-threshold entryways
- Installing brighter lighting
- Lowering light switches for easy access
Staying in your own home as you age allows you to have the independence you want. However, it takes some planning to address mobility and safety issues, so start early to enjoy your life ahead - at home.
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Written By:
Emma Sturgis is a freelance writer based out of Boston, Mass. She writes most often on health and education. When not writing, she enjoys reading and watching film noir. Say hi on Twitter @EmmaSturgis2
Reviewed By:
Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.
