As you age, you may find yourself unable to move around safely like you used to. Steps can become harder to climb, you may have trouble keeping your balance while showering, or you may be worried about your overall safety when it comes to a fire or other natural disaster. You can make your house safer and more user-friendly as you age by doing these 3 things.

Test for radon

Radon is an odorless, tasteless gas that may be present in your home without your even knowing. The gas is naturally occurring, caused by the decay of uranium in the earth. Since it can increase your chances of getting lung cancer, particularly if you are already a smoker in your home, you want to get a home radon test kit to see if your levels are within a safe range. A radon mitigator can reduce the levels of the gas in your home if you have accelerated levels. It is rare to have high levels of radon in the home, but it is still something you want to check for.

In addition to a radon test kit, you'll want to have a carbon monoxide detector and several smoke alarms installed in your home. This way, if you do have a fire or a furnace leak in your home, you can be alerted as soon as possible so you can make a quick and safe exit. Radon Express is a company you can contact for a home radon test kit.

Fall-proof your steps

There are a few ways you can make your steps safer for you to climb. Consider installing a railing that follows the length of your steps both outside and inside your home, so you can distribute your weight more evenly as you climb up or down them. If slipping is an issue, you can paint your steps with a grit-infused paint that offers friction, or install glued-down pads that help your feet get more grip.

If climbing stairs is painful, consider converting your outdoors steps into a long ramp. A ramp is easier to climb and makes it more convenient to get in and out of your home if you use a walker or a wheelchair. If you have stairs in your home, limit your access to them by having family members move items you often need from rooms that require stairs to access them.

Bathroom safety

Install a heightened toilet cushion to your toilet seat to make going to the restroom easier. Installing a handrail in your bathtub makes getting in and out of the shower much easier. You can also add friction to your bathtub by adding textured mats. They are available in a variety of colors and designs to add stylish appeal as well. When you shower or bathe, take a portable phone into the bathroom with you, so you have easy reach to call for help in case you need assistance.

Staying safe in your home as you age doesn't have to be a hard task. Testing your home for radon and adding smoke and carbon monoxide detectors help ensure you have healthy air to breathe, while other modifications allow you to move around your home with ease.

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