Creating a safe and secure home is essential for everyone, but especially for the elderly or those with mobility challenges. In a city like Manchester, where homes may be older or have unique architectural features, it’s even more important to make sure that your living space is injury-proof.
However, if you use a few simple steps, you can make your home safer and reduce the risk of accidents. Here’s your guide to making your home in Manchester more injury-proof!
1. Install Handrails and Grab Bars
The most common injuries in the home, especially for the elderly, are falls and a lot of them can happen in the bathroom or when navigating stairs. Installing handrails and grab bars in key areas can make a huge difference in preventing these accidents.
In the bathroom, make sure there are grab bars near the toilet, bathtub, and shower. A non-slip bath mat can also help, but grab bars provide something to hold onto if you slip or lose your balance.
On stairs, having handrails on both sides can make it much easier and safer to navigate, particularly for people with joint pain, weak muscles, or limited mobility. In homes with multiple levels, this simple addition can dramatically reduce the risk of falling.
2. Use Non-Slip Flooring
Slippery floors can be a major hazard in any home, especially in high-traffic areas like the kitchen, bathroom, and hallways. To injury-proof your home in Manchester, consider replacing old flooring with non-slip options.
Vinyl or rubber flooring is a great choice for areas like bathrooms or kitchens, as they provide a firm grip underfoot. If you have hardwood or tile floors, be sure to add non-slip mats or rugs with rubber backing to keep them in place and reduce the chance of slipping.
Additionally, make sure stairs and hallways are well-lit to help you avoid tripping, especially if the floors have become worn or are covered in shadows.
3. Add Stairlifts for Accessibility
For homes with multiple levels, stairlifts are a fantastic solution to reduce the risk of falls on stairs. Stairlifts are widely available to help elderly individuals or those with limited mobility get up and down stairs safely without the risk of slipping or falling – Halton Stairlifts are well-known and come highly recommended in the Manchester area.
You can find stairlifts in multiple designs at different costs to suit all staircases and budgets. These stairlift options include:
- Straight Stairlifts
- Bespoke curved stairlifts
- Outdoor stairlifts
- Pre-loved stairlifts
- Rental stairlifts
4. Clear Clutter and Trip Hazards
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to injury-proof your home is to reduce clutter and make sure walkways are clear. In busy homes, especially in areas like living rooms, kitchens, and hallways, it’s easy for items to accumulate on the floor.
To reduce the risk of trips and falls, keep pathways clear and tidy. Move furniture or decor that might obstruct movement, and avoid leaving cords or cables on the floor where they can be tripped over. Additionally, consider using cable covers or cordless appliances to keep wires out of the way.
For homes in Manchester with limited space, it’s even more important to keep the floors clear to allow for easy movement, particularly for elderly individuals or those using wheelchairs or walkers.
5. Improve Lighting Throughout Your Home
Poor lighting is a major factor in many household accidents. Whether you’re stumbling down the stairs or navigating a dark hallway in the middle of the night, inadequate lighting can make it difficult to see potential hazards.
In Manchester, where homes may be older and lighting systems could be outdated, it’s crucial to improve the lighting in key areas. Make sure stairways, hallways, bathrooms, and entryways are well-lit with bright, consistent lighting. Consider installing motion-sensor lights in darker areas so they automatically turn on when movement is detected.
If you have any dark spots in your home, it’s worth investing in some additional task lighting or using night lights in hallways and bathrooms. These can help you avoid accidents when moving around at night.
6. Upgrade Furniture for Stability
In many homes, old or wobbly furniture can become a tripping hazard, or it may not provide the support needed for those with mobility issues. For a home that’s injury-proof, consider replacing or upgrading furniture pieces that are unstable or difficult to use.
Look for sturdy chairs and tables with a solid base, and make sure all furniture is anchored properly to the floor. If you have any tall pieces like bookshelves or cabinets, make sure they are secured to the wall to prevent them from tipping over.
In particular, easy-to-use chairs and sofas with armrests are important for elderly individuals, as they provide better support when sitting down or standing up. Ergonomic furniture can also be a good investment for people with back pain or joint issues.
7. Install an Emergency Alert System
For elderly individuals or anyone who lives alone, it’s important to have a way to call for help in case of an emergency. An emergency alert system is an affordable and effective tool for providing peace of mind and making sure assistance can be reached quickly.
Emergency alert systems come in various forms, such as wearable pendants or wristbands, which feature an emergency button that, when pressed, immediately alerts emergency services or a loved one. Some systems even have fall detection technology, which can sense if a fall occurs and automatically notify someone.
Yet, if you install an emergency alert system in your Manchester home, you can make sure that help is always within reach in case of an accident or health emergency.
8. Install a Home Security System
While not directly related to physical injuries, a home security system can help reduce the risk of home break-ins and make sure that you’re not putting yourself at risk by allowing strangers into your home.
Many affordable home security systems are available that include door and window sensors, motion detectors, and surveillance cameras. Some of these systems can be monitored remotely from your smartphone, allowing you to keep an eye on your home while you’re out and about.
Your Home in Manchester Taken to the Next Level
Making your home injury-proof in Manchester doesn’t require a large budget or extensive renovations. Therefore, if you follow these simple tips—such as adding grab bars, improving lighting, installing stairlifts, and reducing clutter—you can create a safer and more comfortable living environment.
Whether you’re looking to make your home more accessible or prevent falls and accidents, these changes will help make sure that your living space is injury-proof, allowing you to live with peace of mind.
