Elder-proofing Your Yard

It’s unavoidable – our loved ones are getting older and so are we. The world’s senior population is projected to double from 617 million to more than 1.5 billion by the year 2050. By the year 2050, life expectancy of seniors will increase by approximately eight years, to the age of 76.2. Soon we will have to begin thinking about how to best care for seniors in our lives, and eventually ourselves.

Living with a senior parent or loved one can be a special time for you and your family, but it can quickly become an unpleasant experience if you are not prepared. Discover the best ways to make your home’s exterior safer and more functional as you and your family age.

  • Reduce the risk. Outdoor falls are more common than indoor falls. One in three elders falls at least once a year outside of their home. Fortunately, there are many easy ways to reduce the chance of outdoor falls. One simple way is to add textured surface paint to create traction so no matter what condition your outside area is in, the chance of harmful slips decreases.
  • Clear away the clutter. Often, the things we choose to keep outdoors are what become the greatest tripping hazards. This is especially true if you have children who leave toys outside in the yard. Keep steps, sidewalks, decks, and porches cleaned and clear of any toys, as well as debris that may fall from surrounding trees and shrubs to prevent falls. You’ll also want to install good lighting near stairs and other walkways, and handrails for any kind of outdoor incline.
  • Consider hardscaping. Another way to prevent elders from falling is hardscaping the front or back of the home. Consider the entire area available to you for hardscaping, then plan a design for the entire area. Installing a patio or walkway is one of the easiest fixes to make. Make the area functional and aesthetically appealing by using a material like flagstone, brick, or slate for the design.
  • Hire an expert. You know what they say, professionals know best. The site should be prepared correctly, including leveling the surface and knowing where the freeze line lies so it’s safe to build on. To prevent any serious damage, it’s best to hire a professional hardscaping contractor.

There are many prevention tactics to minimize the chance of getting hurt outside of the home, and these are just a few basic tips for you and your family. Keep your elderly loved ones safer outdoors with these yard tips.