Ted Stumpf
Ted Stumpf, Windermere Napa Valley PropertiesPhone: (707) 246-9825
Email: [email protected]

Seniors: Quick safety tips to keep your home hazard-free

by Ted Stumpf 04/17/2022

Seniors face increasing risks of injuries as they get older. When you have a senior member of your household, it's important to make sure your home is safe for them. If you're the senior in your home, try these safety measures:

Eliminate fall hazards

Falls are one of the top causes of serious injuries. Go through your home and remove any items posing as a tripping hazard, which includes removing or heavily securing area or throw rugs. Also, make sure cords are safely secured along walls rather than running across your floor. Stairways should be well-lit and have no debris or items on the steps.

Improve bathroom safety

Bathrooms can cause injuries due to slippery surfaces. You can make the bathrooms in your home safer in several ways, such as installing grab bars near toilets and in shower stalls. Bathroom floors should have a slip-resistant mat in the tub to prevent slipping and falling, as well as a secure mat to step onto once exiting the shower or tub to avoid slick wet floors.

Other safety measures might include having a walk-in shower installed instead of a regular bathtub, since these are easier to get into and out of and placing a bathing chair in the tub or shower, if needed.

Improve kitchen safety

Rearrange your kitchen so items can easily be reached in cabinets and cupboards. You might want to install cupboard organizers you can pull out of cabinets and cupboards to make items easier to access, as well.

Keep emergency contact numbers handy

Make sure emergency contact numbers, such as 911, Poison Control and healthcare providers, are kept in a handy area, such as on the fridge, which ensures all house members have quick and reliable access to them in the event of an emergency.

Check stair railings and banisters

Stair railings and banisters should be in good condition to reduce the risk of falls on stairs. Tighten any loose banisters and railings in your home, and replace any in bad condition.

About the Author
Author

Ted Stumpf

Ted draws energy and joy from building synergetic relationships with his Clients. Ted's nature is graciously gregarious and persevering; he's honest; and he's been dedicated to a substantial list of clientele throughout his 25 years in the hospitality business and almost two years as a REALTOR. His passion is creating a sincere, successful relationship with people.

Ted grew up in a family of Realtors in central Indiana, earned a degree in economics and philosophy from the University of Notre Dame, and jumped into all aspects of the restaurant business. His ensuing hospitality career path eventually led him into the Event Management Sales & Service role in hotels and quickly guided him to Los Angeles, San Francisco, and finally to a luxury resort in the Napa Valley, where he, his husband, and their dog have resided for almost a decade now.  

The irony is not lost on Ted that his ‘growth’ journey has culminated in“living happily ever after” in an agricultural area with a small-town feel and sense of community strikingly reminiscent of his youth…and as a REALTOR nonetheless!