Low-cost home fixes and age tech can help older adults stay safe at home

(Aging Untold) — Small changes around the house can make the difference between staying home safely and a fall that changes everything. Tara Ballman, executive director of the National Aging in Place Council, joined Aging Untold to talk through low-cost fixes, signs that long-distance caregivers should watch for and technology that can help. Evaluate your home for trip hazards Ballman said two low-cost areas have a high impact. The first is trip hazards. “You probably don’t remember where your throw rugs are, how long they’ve been there, and it might be coming up on the sides,” Ballman said. She said the hazards go beyond rugs. Electrical cords that run to a lamp, shoes piled by the front door and clutter from pets or robot vacuums can also be trip hazards. “I would love for everyone to go take a fresh look at their homes from new eyes, and see where those trip hazards are,” Ballman said. “That’s free for you to evaluate your own home.” Check the lighting Lighting is the second area. “