Hi neighbors in Kerrisdale. Fall prevention helps you stay in your home longer. It keeps you independent. Small changes make a big difference. Follow these steps to make your house safe.
1. Fix Your Floors and Clear the Clutter
Check your floors first. Look for loose rugs. Rugs slide easily. Remove all area rugs from the hallway. Remove rugs from the living room. If you keep a rug, then use double-sided tape. Stick it to the floor. Use non-slip backing.
Walk through your house. Find items on the floor. Pick up shoes. Move power cords. Tuck cords behind furniture. Clear the path to the bathroom. Clear the path to the kitchen.
Check for loose floorboards. Look for uneven transitions. Use transition strips between rooms. This creates a smooth surface. Do not use wax on your floors. Wax makes wood slippery.
Check your carpet. Look for tears. Look for ripples. Stretch the carpet or replace it. Low-pile carpet is safer than thick carpet. Hardwood is beautiful but slippery. Consider vinyl flooring. Vinyl has better grip.
Keep your pet toys in a bin. Clear the entryway. Keep your keys on a hook. Avoid bending down to reach items.
2. Brighten Every Room with Better Lighting
Poor light leads to falls. Start in the hallway. Replace dim bulbs with bright LEDs. Use warm white light. It reduces glare.
Install nightlights. Put them in the bedroom. Put them in the hallway. Put them in the bathroom. Use motion-activated nightlights. They turn on when you move. You do not have to find a switch.
Check the top of your stairs. Check the bottom of your stairs. Add a light switch at both ends. This way you never walk in the dark.
Add lamps to side tables. Place them near your favorite chair. Ensure the cord is not a trip hazard. Use touch-activated lamps. These are easier for tired hands.
Check your outdoor lights. Light the front porch. Light the back walkway. Vancouver winters are dark. Good lighting keeps you safe on the sidewalk.
3. Secure the Bathroom with Proper Hardware
The bathroom is a high-risk area. Water makes tiles slippery. Start with the shower. Install grab bars. Do not use towel racks for balance. Towel racks pull out of the wall.
Place one grab bar near the entrance. Place another inside the shower. Use a vertical bar and a horizontal bar. This helps with sitting and standing.
Add a raised toilet seat. It reduces the distance you sit. This saves your knees. It makes standing easier.
Buy a shower chair. Sit while you wash. Use a handheld showerhead. This gives you control. You do not have to move around as much.
Apply non-slip stickers to the tub floor. Use a rubber mat outside the shower. Ensure the mat has a grip bottom.
4. Strengthen Your Stairs and Entrances
Stairs require focus. Install handrails on both sides of every staircase. Most homes only have one. Two rails provide total balance.
Check the rail height. Ensure it fits your grip. Tighten loose screws. Use sturdy wood or metal rails.
Apply non-slip treads to the edge of each step. Use a bright color. This helps you see where the step ends.
Check your porch steps. Look for moss. Moss is slippery when wet. Clean the steps often. Fix any cracks in the concrete.
Consider a ramp if steps become hard. Ensure the ramp has a gentle slope. Add a high edge to prevent wheels from slipping off.
5. Organize for Easy Reach and Daily Comfort
Rearrange your kitchen. Move heavy pots to the counter. Put your favorite mugs on the lowest shelf. Stop using step stools. Reach only what is in front of you.
Check your bed height. Sit on the edge of the bed. Your feet must touch the floor. If the bed is too high, then remove the frame. If the bed is too low, then add risers.
Keep a phone near your bed. Keep a flashlight in the nightstand drawer.
Check your shoes. Wear shoes with rubber soles inside the house. Do not walk in socks. Socks slide on wood floors.
Professional Help in Kerrisdale
You do not have to do this alone. Randall The Handyman helps seniors in Kerrisdale. We serve the Westside and South Vancouver too.
Our pricing is simple. The first hour is $120. Each subsequent hour is $85.
We install grab bars. We fix lighting. We secure handrails. We clear hazards.
We are licensed and insured. We have a 5.0 Google rating. We handle the heavy lifting for you.
Summary Checklist for Your Home
Use this list to check your house today:
- Remove all loose rugs.
- Tape down rug edges.
- Clear cords from walkways.
- Install bright LED bulbs.
- Add motion-sensor nightlights.
- Install grab bars in the bath.
- Add a second handrail to stairs.
- Move heavy items to lower shelves.
- Check bed height.
- Clean moss off outdoor steps.
Safety starts with small steps. Take one step today. Then take another tomorrow. Or call us to do it all at once.
Contact Randall The Handyman
We make home maintenance simple. We work in Kerrisdale, Richmond, and Burnaby.
Call us for an appointment. Let us make your home safe.
Pricing:
- First hour: $120
- Each additional hour: $85
We bring the tools. We bring the expertise. You get peace of mind.
Start your home safety project now. Contact Randall The Handyman today.
