A safe haven

When it comes to the safety in one’s home, both elders and children can be bracketed into a single group. Given their vulnerabilities and susceptibilities, it is extremely important to make one’s home safe and secure. While designing the house, one needs to keep in mind the needs of both elders and kids to avoid any injuries and health implications.

Recognising the needs of senior citizens, today many housing developers are creating homes with adequate amenities. You can also find senior-friendly complexes, independent units and villas in the city today. These homes are targeted to make the life of seniors easy, comfortable and happy.
For those living with their families, you can bring in small changes to help make lives easier. The changes can range from installing grab rails along staircases and bathrooms to child-proofing areas and equipments.

First and foremost, ensure all open electrical sockets, bulbs and other electrical fixtures are sealed properly. Put in proper safety measures to avoid all kinds of short circuits. Installing a safety alarm in the house is a good decision. This is important for both, elders and kids are equally prone to electrical shocks and mishaps.

 Given the nature of kids, who run around all day, and the instability of elders, you need to go in for anti-skid floor mats and rugs. Utilise different colours for all physical changes in the floor to help differentiate the changes. 

Proper lighting is absolutely necessary. Ensure all lighting switches are within the reach of the seniors. But also make sure that these switches are not easily accessible by little kids.

When you install door handles, avoid the knob types as they prove to be very inconvenient. Door thresholds should be avoided and low-beveled edges are preferred.

Keep all the hazardous items like cleaning solutions, room fresheners and naphthalene balls away from easy reach.

Ensure your kids’ toys are devoid of sharp edges and are non-toxic.

Doors of wardrobes and kitchen cabinets should be child-proofed and locked at all times.
Emergency telephone numbers of family members and the family physician should be placed at an easily accessible spot. Place all the medications with their prescriptions on the bedside table of the seniors for ease of access.

Of late, we have been reading about many incidents of kids falling through the balcony railings. All such open places at home should be covered partially, if it’s not possible to do so completely.

Do make these small changes and create a safe haven for your loved ones.