The question of aging well and staying at home is more than ever at the heart of discussions on autonomy. Behind this observation, avoiding accidents remains the primary prevention issue because, as Dr Gérald Kierzek reminds us, “theFalls are the leading cause of accidental death among people over 65.
There are 2 million of them every year. In 2024, they led to nearly 175,000 hospitalizations and caused more than 20,000 deaths, according to the Home Safety Observatory. How to secure the housing of an elderly person? Here are our expert’s tips.
Rooms at risk: securing the bathroom, entrance and kitchen
Nearly 50% of domestic falls occur in the bathroom, due to slippery floors or a lack of support. “The objective is to reduce obstacles, make travel safer and make everyday activities easier.”explains Dr. Kierzek. Before insisting: “Cis an act of prevention and not comfort“.
Concretely, installing a walk-in shower eliminates the edge of the bathtub. The addition of two grab bars also reduces falls by more than 30%. Wall-mounted shower seat, raised toilet, non-slip floor and thermostatic taps complete this installation.
“In the entrance, corridors and stairs, it is advisable to declutter passages, avoid slippery floors, secure stairs and bathrooms, improve lighting, keep useful objects within reach“, recommends the practitioner.
Removing carpets, fixing electrical wires, installing handrails on each side of the stairs and installing a light path with motion sensors makes every journey safer.
Finally, in the kitchen and bedroom, storage at shoulder height avoids having to climb on a stool. While a 50 cm high bed and motorized shutters make everyday life easier.
The major benefits: maintaining your independence and your health
Working on these arrangements concretely transforms the daily lives of seniors. “All these small gestures also offer the possibility of regaining confidence”underlines the medical director of True Medical.
“Getting up, walking, washing becomes easier, less tiring, less anxiety-inducing“, he adds. These adjustments reduce the probability of falling by approximately 30%, and a simple home assessment visit prevents 48% of falls requiring medical attention.
Above all, this prevention breaks a vicious circle. Because 50% of senior victims of a fall develop the fear of falling again, which pushes them into inactivity and increases the risk of falling again.
The inability to get up after an accident increases mortality fivefold within six months. Appropriate accommodation prevents these serious consequences, avoids fracture of the femoral neck and delays entry into an institution.
Accommodations for neurodegenerative diseases and disability
Certain pathologies require tailor-made adjustments. For neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s), adaptation must be gradual so as not to disorient the person.
“The absolute elimination of carpets and wires on the floor is essential, as is a good visual identification of spaces and the installation of sliding doors to avoid loss of balance towards the rear when opening. adds our expert.
In the event of a motor disability or use of a wheelchair, widening the door frames to a minimum of 90 cm is a priority. A rotation diameter of 1.50 m must be provided in the water rooms, accompanied by access ramps or elevators (stair lifts) and a work surface suitable for seated cooking.
Technical, human and financial assistance available
Beyond the furniture, targeted technical aids simplify actions: plates with stops, glasses with nose cutouts, button threaders or pill boxes with alarm. “Remote assistance (medallion or bracelet) is also valuable if it is impossible to get up after a fall” concludes Dr. Kierzek.
And to finance this housing adaptation work, it is strongly recommended to find out about the public system MaPrimeAdapt’, which covers a significant part of the cost of the adjustments.