The last week of August is designated for everyone to take a moment and consider what being safe at home means. National Safe at Home Week this year is from Aug 21-25 and is a good time to review with your elderly loved one what steps you can take to make sure she is safe at home.

One key area that many people choose to focus on is the stairs. Stairs can be the cause of falls for many so making sure that they are safe and well kept, is one way to help your loved one navigate the stairs safely in her home.

Here are three areas to review when thinking about the safety of your loved one’s home. Don’t forget to consider both indoor and outdoor stairs as you review them for safety. If repairs or changes need to be made, or if multiple staircases need some adjustments, you can do it over time and don’t have to feel you need to do it all at once.

If others use the home, like a home care assistance team, inviting them into the conversation about what they perhaps have seen as possible dangerous areas is another great way to prioritize which changes should be made first. Your home care assistance team may think of things you hadn’t considered.

Flooring

Having all of the stairs at the same height and having them made out of non-slip material is important to make them safe for your loved one to traverse. Look for edges of carpet that are loose and sticking out or linoleum that is cracked or split. When outside, if your loved one has concrete steps, make sure the corners and edges are not crumbling and loose. Wooden steps should be examined to make sure they’re not warped.

Railings

All stairs should have at least one set of railings, two if possible. The more points that your loved one can hold onto while going up and down the stairs will help her keep on her feet and prevent her from stumbling. A railing on each side also means she can use her stronger arm to hold onto the railing whether she is going up or down the stairs.
Outside you may need to install railings that are installed into the ground. Even just a small set of steps can be made safer with a small railing to hold onto for balance and support. If it’s not possible to install one outside, having a home care assistance person or family member there to provide support as she goes up or down the stairs can help.

Lighting

Dark stairs make falling more likely. It’s easy to misgauge the next step or miss something that’s on the steps that will cause your loved one to stumble. Make sure all stairs are well-lit, with light switches at the top and bottom of the staircase. Outdoor stairs should have outdoor lighting to illuminate the area.

Reviewing the stairs each year for wear and tear during National Safe at Home Week is a great way to make sure your loved one stays safe at home.

If you are considering home care assistance in Memorial, TX for an aging loved one, please call the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care. We will answer all of your senior care questions. Call today: (832) 271-1600.

At Your Side Home Care, provides exceptional home care for seniors and families in Houston, West Houston, Katy, Memorial, The Heights, Spring Valley, Garden Oaks, Hunters Creek, River Oaks, Hilshire Village, Galleria, Cinco Ranch, Spring Branch, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenburg, Piney Point, Bay City and surrounding areas.

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Donna Wrabel, LMSW

Co-Owner at At Your Side Home Care

For most of us, the word "home" evokes warm feelings of comfort, security and well-being. For older adults, home also means holding tight to cherished memories and maintaining self-esteem and independence. When illness, injury or age make life a little more challenging, remaining at home in a comfortable, familiar environment encourages recovery and enhances the quality of life. Home can be defined as a private residence, an independent or assisted living facility or even a short term stay in the hospital, we recognize the additional benefits provided by a personal, professional assistant.

Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.

Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week

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