Today we are continuing our aging-in-place and home accessibility series with a discussion on bed height. This is one of the #1 modifications that I look at when working with clients in their homes. A recent study found that 56% of falls in seniors in an inpatient setting occurred while falling or sliding off the edge of the bed. Getting in and out of bed can become increasingly challenging for seniors, especially if the bed is too high or too low. If a bed is too high, there is an increased risk of falls off the side of the bed while getting in and out. If the bed height is too low, it can be hard to stand up from. There are some simple ways that you can adjust the height of your bed without needing to purchase a replacement. If you have questions about changing or modifying your bed, this is a great time to request a referral to an occupational therapist to complete a home assessment to give recommendations that are specific to your needs. The tips below are general guidelines:

Creating a safe and accessible home environment is essential for seniors to maintain their independence, safety, and overall well-being as they age. This is especially important in areas where we spend a significant amount of time, such as the bedroom. Today, we are continuing our home safety series by talking about simple modifications and safety considerations in the bedroom. By prioritizing home safety and implementing appropriate modifications, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life and continue to live comfortably in their own homes for as long as possible. Below are key considerations and tips to effectively and practically optimize a safe bedroom environment.

Research shows that 60% of falls occur inside the home. One effective way to prevent falls is to make modifications to the environment to improve accessibility and safety. Here are some guidelines to ensure that your home, or the home of your loved one is set up in a way to prevent falls, maximize safety, and promote independence for meaningful aging in place.

We are continuing our home safety and accessibility series by talking specifically about the living room. The living area, often a space we spend the majority of our time, plays a crucial role in our daily lives. This space serves as a place for both leisure and social participation. As we age, our living spaces should adapt to meet our changing needs as well as promote safety, comfort, and independence. Below are considerations and tips for modifying and adapting the living area to promote graceful aging in place.

Mobility aids are not one-size fits all, and it can be difficult which one will best meet your needs. We share some key features and differences between walkers and a rollators to help guide your decision making for safe mobility.

Falls can happen anywhere. Research shows that 30% of falls happen out in the community. There are simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of falls while you are out and about in the community and maintain your independence for community mobility.

The quick answer to this question is YES! Falling is not a normal part of aging. There are several practical and easy steps you can take to reduce the risk of falls, and ensure that you or your loved one is able to age in place safely, and maintain independence for as long as possible.