As we age our mobility often decreases. Sometimes this is related to the wear and tear of time and sometimes as related to a disease or accident. In order to promote safety for our aging relatives as they remain in their own home there are steps to be taken over time to make this possible. There are simple remedies to removing fall risks through a home, some to be put in place when there is remodeling being done, some to be addressed as they are identified and others to install when there is a need.
Flooring needs to be addressed as soon as a problem is identified. Loose floorboards or throw rugs need to be repaired so that the floor is as smooth as may be and to remove the risk of tripping over the edge of a throw rug or an uneven place in the floor. When carpeting is being replaced, take care to be sure that the pile is lower rather than higher. An excessively plush carpet will interfere with walking because it sinks when you walk on it.
Another thought to keep in mind is to be sure that railings are repaired as soon as they are noted to be unstable. Stair treads need to be tightened as needed and carpeting needs to be lower pile. Railings are often placed on one side of a stairwell, when there is a mobility issue related to traveling steps, it would be wise to install a handrail on both sides to stabilize someone with mobility issues.
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