How to adapt a home for the elderly

• Remove everything that is not being used. We must be practical and facilitate empty spaces, especially if we are talking about someone who moves with a wheelchair.

• Remove carpets. They facilitate missteps, so it's better to remove them. Another option would be to glue the edges to the floor with double-sided tape or place a non-slip mat.

• Avoid going up and down stairs continuously. If it is a two-floors house, we should try to have the bathroom, the bedroom and the kitchen on the first floor.

• Illuminate the unevenness. We can signal them with a non-slip strip.

• Change the rotary knobs by handles handle-type. For people with bone problems are more recommended.

• Remove the cables. The cables do not have to be pulled on the floor, but collected by pipes.

• Install an adequate heating system. If it's possible, avoid portable heaters or radiators that can overheat and cause electrical failures or fire.

• Put smooth floors. They should not be slippery or treated with waxes. Wood can be a good choice, since it is a pleasant and warm material that dampens more hits than hard pavements such as stoneware.

• Avoid corners. Rounded edges are better than sharp edges, and corners can be covered with rubber.

• Place buffers in the drawers. This prevents accidents in the feet caused by opening a drawer and falling to the ground.

Follow these tips and you will avoid lots of domestic accidents!