Improve lighting at doorways and stairs. As we age, we see less well in dim light. Of course even a 16 year old can’t see the cat on the basement steps if it’s pitch dark because the light bulb is burned out. Add fixtures and/or put in brighter bulbs.
Fix obvious trip hazards, particularly near stairs. Familiarity breeds contempt. The fact that you didn’t trip on that loose carpet the previous 1,000 times doesn’t reduce the pain when your flip flop snags it on the 1,001st pass. Tack down loose carpet or other flooring materials and put non-slip mats under area rugs.
Fix (or add) handrails. Basement stairs are a good place to focus. They tend to be dark and oddly spaced and we’re often carrying things when we’re on them. They sell brackets and railing at the big box stores. Find the studs and pre-drill the holes for the large screws. The drill bit should be the size of the inner shaft of the screw (not the threads – they need something to bite).
Put grab bars in the bathroom. Baths are particularly nasty places for falls with their combination of slippery surfaces and hard elements to land on. Grab bars can be a reasonable DIY project if you have a drill and follow the directions. If you think they look too clinical visit the plumbing supply showroom or search the internet. There are dozens of designer options.
Don’t be dumb when you need to reach something up high. If it isn’t a step stool or ladder, don’t climb on it. The only thing worse than falling and splitting your head open is telling the paramedic you did it standing on a tricycle to change a light bulb. Also, ladders and stools have working heights for a reason. Don’t stand on the top rung!
