Ginzler: Making Home Safer

En español | As your family members or loved ones age, so do their homes. It is good practice to step back occasionally and examine the homes to see how well the living arrangement supports your loved ones’ daily needs and activities. There are many steps you can take to ensure that your family members stay safe and comfortable in their homes. Often these changes can be made with little or no cost, while they also make homes more user-friendly and welcoming. In this column, I note some safety tips to evaluate in your loved ones’ homes, so you can help them successfully age in place.

I've written before about the numbers: Nearly 90 percent of older Americans want to stay in their current homes as they age. Overwhelmingly, that's where people want to live if they need care as they get older. But sometimes, features in your loved ones’ homes can be their biggest obstacles to remaining independent. As a caregiver, I know the safety of your loved one is your primary concern. By taking small-but-practical steps—including the modifications I describe below—you can transform your loved ones’ "home sweet home" into "home safe home."

No-Cost Changes … Back to Article