Hey pickleballers! We know you love hitting the court, but let’s make sure your home is as safe as your favorite pickleball venue. Believe it or not, in 2022, over 53 million people suffered preventable home injuries, according to the National Safety Council. Ouch!
But don’t worry, we’ve got fantastic tips from our friends at Rosarium Health, They specialize in making homes safer through expert assessments and modifications, helping keep your living space secure and your pickleball game strong.
The 10 Home Hazards People Often Ignore
Your home should be your sanctuary, not a hazard zone. Let’s uncover some common dangers you might not be thinking about and check out the solutions recommended by Rosarium Health.
1. Hazard: Poor Lighting
Trips and falls are no fun, especially when poor lighting is to blame. Dark hallways, stairways, and bathrooms can be major culprits. Poor lighting can lead to missed steps, trips over unseen objects, and collisions with furniture, resulting in bruises, sprains, or even fractures.
- Solution: Solution: Brighten up! Ensure all areas have adequate lighting. Use night lights and motion-sensor lights to keep paths illuminated during the night. Regularly check and replace burnt-out bulbs, and consider adding more light fixtures in dim areas.
2. Hazard: Cluttered Walkways
Everyday items like shoes, cords, and small furniture pieces can become obstacles that cause trips and falls, leading to sprains, fractures, and even head injuries.
- Solution: Keep it clear! Remove unnecessary furniture, use cord organizers, and consider open floor plans for easier mobility. Make it a habit to regularly tidy up walkways and ensure pathways are clear of any obstructions.
3. Hazard: Slippery Floors
Slippery surfaces in kitchens and bathrooms are prime spots for falls and more severe injuries such as head trauma or broken hips, especially among older adults.
- Solution: Stay steady! Place non-slip mats in moisture-prone areas, install grab bars in showers and tubs, and consider slip-resistant flooring. Immediately clean up spills and regularly check for wet spots.
4. Hazard: Inaccessible Features
Struggling with hard-to-reach fixtures can cause unnecessary strain or even falls.
- Solution: Make it easy! Install grab bars and handrails in key areas. Use lever-style door handles and faucets for those with limited hand strength. Keep frequently used items within easy reach to avoid unnecessary stretching or bending.
5. Hazard: Mold and Poor Air Quality
Mold and allergens can lead to respiratory issues like asthma, bronchitis, and chronic sinus infections. Exposure to mold spores can cause sneezing, coughing, and eye irritation, making your home uncomfortable and unhealthy.
- Solution: Breathe easy! Regularly inspect and clean areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and basements, to prevent mold growth. Use dehumidifiers to control humidity levels and ensure proper ventilation in all areas of the home. Replace air filters regularly.
6. Hazard: Widen Doorways
Narrow doorways can be a real hassle, especially if you or a loved one uses mobility aids like wheelchairs or walkers. Squeezing through tight spaces can lead to bumps, bruises, and even more serious injuries.
- Solution: Widen those doorways! Install wider doors or use offset hinges to gain extra clearance without a full replacement. Keep doorways free of clutter and ensure there are no raised thresholds or tripping hazards.
7. Hazard: Weatherization Modifications
Weather-related issues can create unexpected hazards in your home, leading to serious problems like fires and structural damage. Common causes include poor insulation, faulty heating systems, and lack of weatherproofing.
- Solution: Be prepared! Install smoke detectors in every room and check them regularly. Avoid overloading electrical outlets, and always unplug appliances when not in use. Ensure doors and windows are properly sealed. Inspect your roof and walls for any signs of leaks and repair. Keep a fire extinguisher handy, especially in the kitchen.
8. Hazard: Difficult-to-Reach Storage
Stretching to grab something from an upper shelf can cause you to lose balance and fall, resulting in sprains, fractures, or even head injuries. Similarly, bending too low to access items can strain your back, leading to chronic pain or acute injuries.
- Solution: Keep it handy! Store frequently used items at waist height. Use pull-out shelves and lazy Susans for easy access. Consider using step stools with handrails for higher shelves, and avoid storing heavy items in hard-to-reach places.
9. Hazard: Steep or Uneven Stairs
Navigating tricky stairs can lead tofalls, especially if they’re steep or uneven. Falls on stairs can result in severe injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, and spinal injuries.
- Solution: Step safely! Install sturdy handrails on both sides of stairs and add non-slip treads. Ensure that steps are even and in good repair. Consider a stairlift or home elevator for multi-level homes to reduce the risk of falls.
10. Hazard: Lack of Emergency Preparedness
Being unprepared for emergencies can turn a small problem into a big disaster. If you’re not ready to handle an emergency, it can lead to delayed responses in critical situations.
- Solution: Be ready! Keep a phone or emergency call device within reach in every room. Ensure everyone knows the emergency procedures and have a list of contacts and medical info accessible. Make sure everyone in the household is familiar with the escape routes and safety plans.
These tips from Rosarium Health’s occupational therapist are designed to help you and your loved ones create a safer, more accessible living environment. With these precautions, you can maintain your independence and enjoy your favorite activities, like pickleball, with peace of mind.
Why We Love Rosarium Health and How They Can Help You
Here’s the deal: Rosarium Health connects you with a network of experts who can assess your home for safety and accessibility, then make the necessary modifications.
Rosarium’s platform is super user-friendly and keeps everything organized in one place. When you sign up, a clinician will assess your home and recommend modifications. Then, network contractors submit their estimates, and you get to choose who handles the project.
Ready to make your home a safe haven?
