You can achieve senior independence with a safer home

Senior safety is a major concern in the United States. Millions of seniors visit the emergency room every year because they have been injured in their homes. Falls are the leading cause of these mishaps. But with the right equipment, knowledge and training, you can reduce your risk significantly.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in three Americans over 65 years old falls every year. Falls are the leading cause for traumatic brain injuries. In 2008, almost 20,000 Americans died due to fall-related injuries.

Seniors can find themselves in dangerous situations when they have to navigate through rooms, corridors, and stairs. Here are some ways to make your home safer:

• Clear the clutter. This includes countertops, end tables, hallways, and more. It is important to get rid of clutter, regardless of its size, in areas such as the bathroom and kitchen.

• Get frequent visual exams. Senior falls are most common due to poor eyesight. It can also make it difficult for seniors to safely navigate their homes. To ensure accuracy, check your prescription every year.

• Equip bathroom with showers/baths designed for older adults. Walk-in bathtubs are ideal for seniors who want to remain independent longer. As 80 percent of senior falls occur in the bathroom, they can be used by those with mobility issues. Safe Step’s walk-in tub is one example.www.safesteptub.com/fallsThis bathroom has anti-slip tiles, a step-up of 4 inches, grab bars, antiscald technology, mold resistant walls and a shower head.

• Participate in moderate exercise. Active living is the best way to maintain strength, mobility, balance and strength. But it’s important that you don’t become too obsessed with it. Tai Chi and relaxed yoga are recommended for balance. Weight-bearing exercise can also be helpful as it increases bone density in seniors with osteoporosis.

Livestrong.com encourages dumbbell-swinging — dumbbells could be substituted to feed grandchildren, pets, or grocery — and resistance-band exercise routines.

• Install grab bars throughout the home. Grab bars are useful in all rooms. The bathroom is the most visible space that requires grab bars. Grab bars make it easier to climb stairs, navigate long hallways and use the kitchen.