Making Your Backyard Patio Senior-Friendly and Safe

As our nation makes its way thru Spring and into Summer, now is the ideal time to safeguard your patio for backyard barbecues and get-togethers with the family. For some elderly parents or senior family members, climbing the stairs of a raised deck or navigating an uneven sidewalk is often difficult and even hazardous. It is important to make your outdoor space a safe gathering place for everyone this summer by addressing accessibility issues around your home.

Evaluating Needs

Your first step to increasing safety is evaluating how safe your current space is and comparing that to the needs of your friends and family. Your outdoor living areas may already have features that enhance safety, but you can likely make improvements and make it even more welcoming to senior family members. Start with a checklist and note important safety features your current area lacks. Some suggestions include good traction and ramps for coping with split-level features such as decks and landings.

Keep future needs in mind as well. A person with a progressive condition may have little trouble negotiating a path to a raised deck now but may find it more challenging in future years. Installing permanent features such as safety grab bars assures years of ease and gives seniors peace of mind about future mobility.

Planning Safety Features

Many aspects of the average home go unnoticed by homeowners who have unimpeded balance and mobility. For someone who moves at a slower pace, has altered depth perception, or relies on mechanical assistance to go from place to place, small details become roadblocks or hazards. Consider these factors when preparing your home for a senior’s needs:

Traction: According to multiple published safety reports throw rugs and clutter on the floor can be an issue for those with limited mobility. It’s important to remember that your aging parent will not always lift his/her feet when walking. Installing non slip treads will ensure proper footing and will reduce or eliminate slips and falls.

Grip: For those who cope with balance disturbances or mobility limitations, installing grab bars and railings in convenient locations can make a tremendous difference in their ability to navigate the area. Many times aging parents or grandparents are not able to fully bend their knees, limiting where they can go. Grab bars offer stability for those troublesome areas.

Safeguarding your home isn’t difficult, and with the help of our safety experts it’ll be a breeze to increase safety and enjoy your outdoor space.

For more information on safety visit our website or call us at 800-876-RAMP (7267).