- Assessment

House Security Assessments for Seniors

Your mother will not be slipping on banana peels in her kitchen — however she is likely to be slipping on that favourite throw rug subsequent to the sink! You could already query the security of the throw rug, however have you ever ever puzzled if there are different unsafe issues in her dwelling you have not considered? Or, higher but, what can YOU do to make her dwelling safer?

Your greatest useful resource for finishing a complete security survey of the house is an in-depth dwelling evaluation guidelines. An “In-House Evaluation” is an in depth guidelines used to guage the security and accessibility of a house or workplace. House enhancements are steered within the guidelines to boost dwelling accessibility and security for seniors, aged and other people with disabilities.

A few of the extra essential security suggestions for a house contain the kitchen, toilet and entryways. For mother’s kitchen, a wall oven that has a handy shelf proper beneath the door prevents scrumptious, however heavy, casseroles from being dropped. Stoves with degree electrical cook dinner tops guarantee protected transferring between burners; entrance controls and downdraft options pull warmth away; and a lightweight indicating when a burner is sizzling, are all important options.

Within the toilet, there are many issues that may be executed to enhance security. Simply to call a couple of, we’d point out a fold-down seat put in within the bathe; an adjustable bathe head on a hose; and an anti-scald machine to insure the water won’t ever get too sizzling for her whereas she is showering.

The entry areas are additionally important spots to overview for issues of safety. You could need to embody a movement delicate gentle on the entrances; a lobby with no slip flooring; a low or no step entry with a canopy; facet lights at doorways; and a floor for putting packages on whereas opening the door.

Slip resistant and non-glossy flooring surfaces are important within the security aware handicap accessible dwelling. A slip-resistant materials in your ground, equivalent to matte-finished wooden or laminate, textured vinyl or a soft-glazed ceramic tile will assist stop falls. Thresholds separating adjoining rooms needs to be near the identical degree. Decrease-pile carpet that transitions into flooring is healthier than larger, softer piles. Low-pile carpeting and clean flooring supplies are additionally greatest for wheelchair maneuverability.

Lastly, a couple of accessibility objects to think about if mother is in a wheelchair or experiencing a incapacity embody a 30-inch by 48-inch clear house at home equipment, and a 60 inch diameter clear space for turning; pulls with loops on drawers; and levered handles wherever attainable. in-home evaluation guidelines may also embody details about protected electrical, lighting, and safety objects; heating, air flow and air con; and stairways, lifts and elevators.

Consulting an in-depth dwelling evaluation guidelines will provide help to reply many questions on dwelling security for individuals with disabilities, seniors and people wishing to “age in place”.

In the event you want help evaluating the security of a house, you will discover a listing of licensed getting older in place (CAPS) specialists on the NAHB web site. Your CAPS specialist will schedule an in-home session to watch and consider your present residing association, and help you in making a safer and extra accessible dwelling for you or a liked one.