A common concern for many aging Americans is the ability to live independently for as long as possible. You can help your elderly loved ones do this by taking extra precautions to keep your homes safe.

Because older people tend to be more vulnerable in many areas of their lives, one thing you should do is install deadbolts on all exterior doors of your homes, as well as peepholes at the proper height for them. You may even want to look into a burglar alarm.

It’s also important to keep a list of emergency phone numbers and contacts near your loved one’s phone so they can easily call for help if they need it. You may want to go a step further and install multiple phones throughout the house, as well as phones that can be accessed from the ground in the event of a fall.

In the kitchen, you need to make sure there is enough light and that curtains and other items are away from the stove to avoid fire hazards. You should also spend some time organizing the kitchen so that items are accessible without having to climb on ladders or chairs to reach them. Moving the microwave to a counter instead of suspending it over the stove will help reduce hot food spillage.

The bathroom is another place that can use a safety makeover. Put non-slip pads in the shower or bathtub, and install grab bars in showers and bathtubs as well. The bathroom floor should also be a non-slip surface, and rugs should have non-slip backings. Faucets should be easy to turn or should be replaced with levers.

You may also need to make some bigger changes. This includes moving laundry from the basement to the first floor. You may also want to place the washer and dryer on a platform to reduce the need to bend and haul to do laundry. Also, installing a lower work area in the kitchen will allow a seated person to prepare food without straining their backs.

Another good idea is to make sure that the stairs are clear of clutter and that there are night lights on the stairs and hallways and that the stairs have sturdy handles. Other safety precautions to consider include turning the water heater setting down to 120 degrees or below, installing lever handles instead of doorknobs, and having enough working smoke detectors throughout the house.

Tips to help you make security changes around your home:

o Ask your friends for contractor recommendations.

o Get at least three quotes for the project.

o Always check references before deciding on a contractor.

o Make sure your chosen contractor is licensed and bonded.

o Be sure to obtain the necessary permits before beginning any work.