My top 5 Home Safety Modifications - under $15!

Creating a safe home environment does not have to come with a high price tag. Many simple, inexpensive changes can significantly reduce safety risks and improve comfort for everyone living in your home. Whether you want to prevent falls, reduce risk of injury, increase access, or secure items, affordable adaptations can make a big difference! These items are not only super useful for seniors, they serve everyone!

A organized, AM/PM, color-coded pill box is a great inexpensive adaptation

All prices have been averaged from listings on Amazon.com

1) Silicon Corner Protectors - $8 for a pack of 20

Why do I like these? There are so many reasons! If your loved one is prone to falls, these can prevent serious trauma such as traumatic brain injury or lacerations. As individuals age, their skin becomes thinner, naturally. Depending on a person's health conditions, age, and medications, such as blood thinners, a bruise or a laceration can lead to internal bleeding or excessive external bleeding. If your loved one has a progressive disease that renders them uncoordinated or with decreased body awareness, preventing injury by softening sharp corners is key. Anyone with vision impairments should seriously consider protecting themselves by reducing sharp, hard corners in their home.

2) Non-Skid Bath Mat (outside of shower or tub) - $11

This is a big point of contention. Occupational therapists love to tell you to get rid of your throw rugs and people LOVE their rugs! However, the bathroom is a magical place where you absolutely need a throw rug. More specifically, you need a throw rug for when you are exiting the shower or tub to prevent the rest of the bathroom floor from becoming a slippery fall hazard. The key is to find a throw rug that has a rubber, non-skid surface built into the rug so it does not move around when in use. If the rug is washable, that is a bonus. A non-skid bath mat doesn't have to be huge, it just has to be a landing area where you can safely exit the tub or shower and dry off. I also recommend this type of non-skid mat at other sinks in your home, i.e. kitchen, utility room, powder room.

3) Motion Sensor Light Bulbs - $10

These motion sensor light bulbs can be placed anywhere there is a lamp, light fixture, or spot light. However, you do have to make sure the light bulb is uncovered so that it can detect motion more accurately. Our loved ones with vision impairments, cognitive decline, incontinence, or those that utilize darker spaces, such as the garage or basement, can truly benefit from motion reactive lighting that turns on and off, automatically. Poor lighting is a common cause of accidents at home, especially falls. Bright lighting can help people see obstacles and navigate their environment more safely.

4) 12 inch Vertical Grab Bar at Entrance, Stairs, or Tub/Shower - $13

A small vertical grab bar can make steps in and around your home more accessible. A grab bar to hold onto when ascending stairs, standing on a step stool, or entering and exiting the tub/shower aids a person in their stability and confidence. A vertical grab bar at the sink can allow someone to stand safely while holding on with one hand and performing ADLs with the other hand. Make sure the placement of a vertical grab bar is secure and closest to the person's dominant hand.

5) Magnetic cabinet lock - $5 each

First of all, this lock is great because you don't have to use any tools to install it. It sticks in place on whatever cabinet you want. The trick is that this lock comes with a magnet that you can store on a refrigerator or in any other place that is well hidden. When the magnet is placed near the lock, the cabinet opens! When the cabinet is closed, it is locked! This item is very helpful when our loved ones have dementia or other cognitive impairments and you do not want them accessing medications, checkbooks, sharp items, dangerous chemicals, or other sensitive information/items.