Is Your Home Ready for the Holidays?

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Dec 20, 2011, 11:00 ET

AARP Releases Tips for Getting Your Home Ready for Elderly Holiday Visitors

CHICAGO, Dec. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As the holiday season approaches, many Illinoisans are busy getting their homes ready for visiting friends and family. Having multiple generations under one roof takes some planning, and it's helpful to plan ahead for elderly visitors to ensure your home is as safe as possible.

"Don't let a nasty accident ruin the holiday cheer in your home," said Merri Dee, AARP Illinois State President. "All it takes is just a few simple steps to help ensure that your home is safe for elderly visitors."

Below are 5 steps that AARP recommends for making your home safe for older guests:

Be clutter-free with bins.
If you're used to leaving toys, clothes and other objects lying on the floor, now more than ever, you'll need to start picking them up. Pick a spot that's out of the way and set up a large basket to serve as a catchall for things that tend to end up on the floor.

Prevent slips and falls with anti-slip mats, grab bars and adhesive strips.
Anti-slip mats, often made of rubber or a similar material, fit under throw rugs to increase traction, and greatly decrease the chances of a fall. Removing throw rugs also solves the problem – provided that they weren't covering slick, waxed wood floors, which can also be a hazard. In the bathroom, grab bars in the tub or shower and beside the toilet are lifesavers and help prevent falls. Low-cost, no-slip adhesive strips also can decrease the risk of slippery bathroom areas and steps.

Soften edges with furniture bumpers.
Use clear plastic bumpers that fit over sharp furniture corners to prevent injury. Alternatively, remove sharp-edged furniture from the room. Unsteady chairs should be replaced as well.

Stay cool with anti-scalding devices.
These inexpensive devices (about $40) automatically turn off the water if it gets too hot. They can easily be installed on faucets in your kitchen or on showers and tubs. Alternatively, turn down the thermostat on your hot-water heater so the water never gets above 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Light the way.
It's not just the rooms in your house that need to be well-lit: Make sure walkways, hallways and entryways are illuminated, too. Lighting should be bright but not harsh or blinding.

SOURCE AARP Illinois