Certain tasks become more challenging as you age, and whether you like it or not, this includes DIY home maintenance projects. The tasks you should and should not undertake can change from year to year when you are a senior, especially if you have underlying medical conditions. It’s also crucial to think about DIY safety for seniors.
Perhaps the good news is that this doesn’t mean you have to sit idle and never do another home project; it simply means that you should take heed to these warnings and plan appropriately. So, today we’re going to discuss crucial ways to keep seniors safe during DIY projects.
Important Safety Tips
As we said, just because you are a senior doesn’t mean you have to give up on home maintenance, especially if it’s something that’s not dangerous and brings you joy. Here are our top tips to help keep you safe while working around your home or garden.
Avoid Risky Tasks
All homeowners, regardless of age, should be careful about attempting intense and dangerous tasks such as pressure washing and electrical work.
There is always some risk in such projects and that risk increases as you age.
For example, plumbing and gutter cleaning are both hazardous tasks. And even if you’ve always cleaned your own gutters, it’s best to avoid lugging the ladder, garden hose, and other specialized equipment around your yard.
Part of the problem is falling. That risk is there regardless of your age, but as you get old, your balance often decreases and falling becomes more likely.
Plus, falling when you’re young often isn’t that big of a deal. Occasionally, yes, but most of the time, your body is able to recover fine. Recovery gets slower as you age and even a single minor fall can lead to long-term problems.
Some seniors even find their mobility permanently decreased from a single fall, so protecting yourself really is essential.
Steer Clear of Ladders and Heights
Speaking of lugging a ladder around, this tool is one of the main reasons cleaning your gutters is so risky. The truth is that changes in agility and balance lead to an increased risk of falling. So, when a project requires you to climb a ladder, it’s best to hire pros or call in a younger family member and let them handle it.
Take Caution When Mopping or Around Wet Floors
Though mopping your home isn’t that labor intensive, you must be careful as a senior because if you slip, it’s much harder to regain your balance.
In addition, you’re more likely to suffer from severe injuries resulting from a fall as a senior than someone who’s younger. And the same goes for watering your grass in the evening, as it can become slick when wet.
Opt for a Low-Maintenance Home
As you grow older, it’s important to transition your home and garden toward a more low-maintenance and safe model. In other words, choose home finishes and features that do not require as much upkeep but provide benefits such as being handicap-accessible and slip-resistant.
For example, a relaxing soak in the tub may seem like a good idea if you’ve spent the day outdoors with your grandchildren. Many seniors install walk-in bathtubs in their homes, so they can use a tub without worrying about getting up or down and risking a fall (if doing so isn’t an option, bathtub tools and accessories can be used to improve safety).
This same principle should be used with the exterior of your home and with installations such as gutter guards and wheelchair ramps.
Enjoy Your Yard
Gardening is a favorite hobby for many people, young and old. Most people find it relaxing and rewarding, but bending down as a senior can be daunting. Invest in items like a garden cart or scooter to make gardening more enjoyable for you.
Of course, you can always hire someone to help maintain your yard, but if you’d still like to be active in the process, just hire someone to pull weeds so you can still do the planting. You may also want to consider a raised garden bed or even planting pots that can be placed on top of a table where you can access them more easily.
Opt for Tasks That You Enjoy
Above all, be sure to choose DIY projects that bring you enrichment and joy. You can do many smaller tasks around your home that are still fun and provide you with a sense of fulfillment. Think of tasks like painting baseboards or walls (without a ladder), decluttering your home, organizing closets, or simply doing some spring cleaning if you like that.
It’s also worth mentioning that if you want to tackle a bigger project but are worried you’ll tire too easily to finish it all, break it up into steps. For example, if you want to declutter your house, begin with a room or a portion of a room and create a schedule that eventually takes you around the whole house.
Closing Thoughts On DIY Safety for Seniors
In the end, staying active is important for seniors, so if there are DIY home projects you want to complete, the best thing you can do is formulate a solid plan and ask for help when needed. And remember, just because you’re asking someone else to help doesn’t mean you can’t contribute! So, find ways to involve yourself – stay active and stay happy!
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