About 90% of Americans over the age of 50 want to age in place and maintain a more independent lifestyle without having to move to an elderly care facility. If your loved one is one of them, you know that their current home may not be able to accommodate their needs without a few improvements and additions.

So, where can you start? With so much up in the air, addressing your loved one’s changing needs as they grow older can seem overwhelming.

Here are a few simple ways to make your home and your loved one’s living space into a safe and more senior-friendly environment.

Remove Tripping Hazards

Try to find ways to make movement easier for your loved one. If you have area rugs, consider rolling them up and putting them out of the way while your loved one is in the home. Get in the habit of picking up other tripping hazards like toys, pet supplies, shoes, and anything else that ends up on the floor.

By keeping the floor clear, your loved one will be able to move around with ease and you’ll reduce the risk of injury from falls.

Give the Bathroom Some TLC

Making your bathroom more senior-friendly is a great way to reduce the risk of slip and fall accidents in the long run.

Install assistance bars in the shower and tub to help your loved one maintain their balance. Consider adding a toilet chair to make getting on and off the toilet easier and, if you can, add a walk-in tub or shower to the space to prevent falls.

Upgrade Lighting Throughout the House

Eyesight can fade as people get older, especially in low-light conditions. The easiest way to help aging parents see better in their homes is to upgrade the lighting.

Add brighter LED bulbs to overhead fixtures so your loved one won’t have to worry about changing the bulbs as often. Add light fixtures to rooms that don’t already have them so your loved one can always find a clear path through the space.

Help Them Recognize Their Limits

There may come a time when your home or your loved one’s house will no longer be suitable for their needs, even if they’re able to live independently. Help your loved one be mindful of their limitations and consider looking for real estate for seniors if their home becomes too much for them to manage.

You’ll be able to find a space that works for their independent lifestyle without asking them to look into a dedicated senior living facility.

Making a Home More Senior-Friendly Is Doable

Making an existing home more senior-friendly is possible. Just remember to take your time and assess your loved one’s unique needs before you make any changes.

As long as you do what you can to make the space more inviting, you’ll be able to help your loved one stay safe with ease.

Looking for more house remodeling tips to help you better care for your loved one? Check out our latest posts.