Home Improvement Tips for Safer Homes

Studies have shown that most accidents occur in homes. They can take place in your kitchen, bathroom and even your pool-area. While children are often the victims of such accidents, adults, especially the aged are also susceptible to injuries within and around the house. With the right precautions, common accidents can be prevented and you can make your home a safer place. From installing grab bars in your bathroom to creating multi-level counter tops, there are many safety measures that you can take to minimize risks of accidents.

In the Bathrooms: These are the most accident prone areas of your home. The following safety precautions are highly recommended.

• Installing sturdy grab bars in shower and tub areas give aged/physically-handicapped users the necessary support when entering or coming out of the shower stall. They can also hold on the bars for support and balance in the event of slips.

• Installing a wall mounted sink at the height of a seated wheelchair-family member will make it easier for him/her to use the sink.

• Adding improvements such as handheld showers, which can be easily accessed while sitting, make the bathing experience safer and more comfortable.

• Seating in the form of bath chairs or shower stools prevents accidents among aged, pregnant women and those with mobility issues.

• Installing raised toilet seats is mandatory in homes where people suffering from joint pains reside. It helps lessen the distance and frequency with which the joints bend

In the Kitchen: With many tools and a number of inflammable items, accidents in the kitchen can lead to serious injuries.

• Installing multi-level counter tops create access to the cabinets from a seating position. Lowering a section of the cabinets can be useful to create an island for the person to work on.

• Remodeling a section of the kitchen is required when there isn’t enough space to move around comfortably. Cluttered spaces are often disorienting- creating ample space for family members to move around prevents collisions and bumps.

• Avoid using the higher cabinets for storing objects that are used on a daily basis. Store bulky objects in lower cabinets to facilitate easy removal. This also ensures that the heavier objects do not fall on your head as you try to access them from a height.

In and around the house: Here are the ways in which you can make the movement in and around your home safer.

• Lower the light switches to be within easy reach of the user. Stumbling around in the dark is not a pleasant experience and can cause accidents.

• Appropriate flooring has to be installed. Thick rugs break your fall and lessen the degree of injury. Cover slippery surfaces with mats or area rugs.

• Doorways in and around the house should be spacious. Most doors need to be broadened by a couple of inches especially when the user becomes wheelchair bound.

The number of safety precautions you can take is endless. Professional services for remodeling are suggested if you have sufficient funds at your disposal. While you can make trivial changes like installing grab bars in bathrooms, a professional can assist you in large-scale renovations.