Safety Features Every House-Hunting Senior Should Seek
/Safety Features Every House-Hunting Senior Should Seek
Article by Hazel Bridges of agingwellness.org
Buying a home makes sense at any age, but it is easy to get excited and overlook certain safety features that will lend well to your quality of life. This is especially true for seniors. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you go from room to room during your house-hunting quest.
In the kitchen
Look for a home with slip-resistant floors. This will reduce the possibility of slips and falls due to wayward pools of water. Cabinet doors should be outfitted with handles instead of knobs, which are easier to grasp. Countertops of varying heights will allow you to prep your meals in the most comfortable position. Make sure there are smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in close proximity to the kitchen.
In the bathroom
The bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms in the home for the 65-and-up crowd. According to Consumer Affairs, more than 200,000 people are seen in ERs across the country for bathroom injuries each year. You can lower your chances of having an accident by looking for a home with grab bars installed in the bath and next to the toilet. Seniors with mobility issues may want to consider only homes that have low sidewall tubs or a bathroom that can be retrofitted with a walk-in bathtub.
Hallways and common areas
Dimly lit hallways are an open invitation for trouble for older adults who may miss hidden obstacles such as uneven transition strips or subtle step downs. Hallways should have at least one outlet to allow for a night light. Throughout the home, doors that are at least 32” wide will make it easier to navigate with a walker or wheelchair.
In the living room, dining room, and other frequently used areas, carpeting should be tucked tightly from wall to wall and free of bulges and snags. Torn or loose carpeting creates an uneven surface to walk, and buckling carpet is a major hazard for people of all ages. Don’t forget to check the height of the toilet; most seniors are more comfortable on an ADA-compliant toilet that sits at least 17” from the floor.
Bedrooms
If at all possible, stick to a single-story home, or at least one that offers lower-level living spaces, including the master bedroom. Take note of the configuration of the room to ensure that your furniture will fit in a way that won’t restrict your movements. Your nightstand and/or television stand should sit close enough to an outlet so that electrical cords are not stretched in walkable areas.
Yard
The outdoor space should not be overlooked as uneven pathways and poorly leveled yards are also falling hazards. Look for indications of a mole infestation, which can make the ground unexpectedly soft and increase your risk of injury while gardening or mowing the lawn. Ideally, your new home will be fully fenced to keep out potentially aggressive animal intruders.
Neighborhood
While it may be tempting to get away from the city and live out your Golden Years in the country, you must take into consideration access to emergency care and proximity to neighbors. Ambulance response times are, according to a study by Qual Saf Health Care and published by the National Library of Medicine “a challenge for the area which has a dispersed rural population and long journey times….”
Purchasing a home is a smart choice for older adults who may need to make accommodations to the design or layout for safety reasons. Buying also provides economic stability, which is important for those on a fixed income and who want to know their monthly payments won’t rise with local housing demands.
