Aging comes with many blessings, such as wisdom, more free time, and higher levels of happiness. However, it also comes with its challenges, as older people are more likely to suffer from serious medical conditions, including hearing and vision loss, weakening of the muscles, and loss of mobility.
Did you know that in the U.S., one out of four older adults fall each year? The age-related conditions above explain the higher risk of falls in seniors. This can be an obstacle to independent living because it can be more difficult for physically impaired people to accomplish simple daily tasks, including bathing or sweeping the floors.
One of the best ways to prevent falls is to be extra cautious when doing chores or other tasks around the house. For example, it’s best to avoid anything that requires a lot of physical effort, working in higher up spaces, or being in an awkward position. More specifically, here are five home repairs seniors should avoid doing when home alone. These tasks, along with others, can be very risky for elderly people and should only be attempted if another person is present to help – whether that be a friend or family member, a neighbor, or even a professional.
1. Fixing the bathroom
Believe it or not, the bathroom is one of the most high-risk places in your home for falls. In fact, the CDC reports that about 80% of the injuries occurring in the bathroom are due to falls, with older people having a higher risk of injuries.
This is most likely due to the amount of water usage that occurs in this room, which increases the likelihood of slippery floors. Furthermore, your bathroom is composed of extremely tough surfaces like ceramic, tile, porcelain, granite, and more. These materials can make for a very harsh landing and, therefore, can lead to some pretty gnarly injuries if you aren’t careful!
The best way to prevent falls in your bathroom is to use non-slip mats in the bathtub by the toilet, the sink, and along the bathtub. This will ensure that even when the floor inevitably gets wet, you will have an extra safeguard to prevent you from falling.
Additionally, it’s a best practice for any senior to have grab bars installed near the toilet and inside the shower. So, even if you fall, you’ll have something to stop you or, at the very least, help you get back up.
Ultimately, these preventative measures only act as a safeguard for you. It’s best to avoid fixing or deep cleaning anything in your bathroom if you are home alone, as the risk is much greater than the reward. Consider calling someone for help before attempting to repair anything in this part of your home.
2. Cleaning the windows
Cleaning the windows is tiring and time-consuming for anyone, much less a senior who isn’t quite as energetic and mobile as they used to be. Plus, there are two components to this task – cleaning the inside and the outside – both of which come with their own sets of challenges.
You might be able to easily reach and clean the interior portion of your windows, which is great. If you attempt this chore on your own, take your time doing so and spread the work across multiple days to avoid getting too tired. However, if you need a ladder or chair to clean your interior windows, we highly recommend avoiding this task until you have extra help. Falling off a chair can cause irreversible damage to your health.
Furthermore, scrubbing the outside windows is even more challenging, especially if your house has more than one floor, as you must stand on a ladder to reach them. Avoid doing the outside windows entirely – at least until you have someone who is able and willing to help.
3. Repairing the roof
As mentioned before, working at heights is one of the things you should avoid if you are a senior, as your risk of falls and subsequent injuries is higher. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that fixing the roof is not recommended.
You will use most of your energy to get the ladder set up. Then, you’ll have to scale a 10 ft+ ladder to the top of your roof. This in and of itself is incredibly dangerous, even for an able-bodied person. Finally, you’ll have to spend your afternoon working in the elements – whether that be the heat or the cold – along a sometimes steep and slippery roof surface.
Don’t take this risk. Professionals can take care of your roof for you while you stay safe on the ground!
4. Painting the walls or ceiling
Painting the walls or the ceiling almost always requires using a ladder or chair to reach all the necessary spots. As we said before, falling off a chair or a ladder can result in some nasty injuries and steep medical bills.
If you enjoy painting, try using a long paint roller to cover as much area as you can. Then, ask for help to paint the parts you can’t reach yourself. Avoid getting in a position that feels uncomfortable or attempting to climb on a chair or ladder.
5. Cleaning the gutters
Nobody likes to look up at their beautiful home and see clogged, overflowing gutters. Not only is this a sight for sore eyes, but it is also detrimental to the health and safety of your beloved home. Cleaning your gutters regularly will protect your home’s structure and prevent water damage.
That being said, cleaning the gutters is another task requiring climbing a ladder to access your roof. Therefore, we do not recommend elderly people attempt this task on their own. One wrong move can result in fractures, breaks, head injuries, and further mobility loss.
Since it is always better to be safe than sorry, leave work like this to the professionals who know how to do it safely and properly! Not only will you be at less risk of injuring yourself, but also your gutters will be cleaned more effectively by professionals.
Summary
Overall, we know how important it is to feel productive and independent as an elderly adult. There are many chores and tasks that you can complete all by yourself without worrying about injury.
However, the list above and several other tasks are best done with someone available to help or at least nearby. Accidents happen, and these tasks are more likely to result in accident or injury.
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