SC homes can be dangerous for the elderly. Make them safer with these tips from medical experts
According to the South Carolina Department on Aging, over 1.28 million seniors live in South Carolina.
Of that senior population, 25% are over the age of 60 and almost 12% of them live alone. In Beaufort County, 30% of the population is aged 65 and older.
With the Lowcountry being a common place for the older population and retirees to call home, sometimes their homes may need a little adjustment to cater to their changing lifestyle.
Aging is a natural process, but it’s important that those who live at home or may not have constant access to care take increased safety precautions.
“Older adults and their loved ones can make some fairly simple and inexpensive changes to their home to allow for a safer ‘aging in place’ experience,” said Betsy Spears, Physical Therapist with Beaufort Memorial Outpatient Rehabilitation Services. “These changes can range from making sure that your home is well-lit, to reducing trip hazards to upgrading your bathroom to be more easily accessible.”
From tripping hazards to lighting and bathroom soap, there are both large and small tips and tricks to make your home a little safer.
Here are some of the top home modifications and changes that can help you keep your home safe as you age, according to Beaufort County medical professionals.
Lighting
Make sure there is plenty of light in every room and hallway.
Have nightlights in bedrooms, bathrooms and hallways.
Flooring
Keep rugs tacked down or secured with nonskid pads.
Make sure all door thresholds are less than a half-inch thick.
Remove any throw rugs or decorative floor coverings that are a trip hazard.
Stairways
Have secure, steady handrails on stairways, outside steps or along any ramps in your home.
Put nonskid treads on the stairs and/or ramps.
Furniture & Appliances
Arrange your furniture so it isn’t blocking the walkways.
Keep your bed, couches and chairs at a good height so you can easily stand up and sit down.
Have all bedspreads or furniture coverings secured or tucked in so they aren’t posing a trip hazard.
Keep all electrical cords out of the way of walking paths or other trafficked areas of the home.
Kitchen
Make sure kitchen items are within easy reach.
Have a safe system for storing items, like placing only light items on higher shelves and keeping heavier items at waist height.
Bathroom
Install a raised toilet seat and/or railing for safe transition on and off the toilet.
Get aids for safer showers or baths, like a chair, bench, safety bar, nonslip bath mat or a handheld showerhead.
Replace slippery bar soap with liquid soap in a bottle.
If you want to take your safety precautions a step further or if you’re looking for a more specific kind of safety device, here are some other recommended home safety modifications from AgingCare.com.
Personal Alert System (a wearable electronic device designed to summon help in an emergency)
Bidet attachment for toilet
Stepless or walk-in bathtub or shower
Adjustable bed
Waterproof mattress or mattress pads
Over-bed table
Disposable underpads
Medication organizer or alarmed dispenser
Button loopers and zipper pulls for easier dressing
Adaptive clothing and shoes
Touch-tone telephones with large buttons, speaker or hands-free capabilities
Telecommunications devices for the deaf or hard of hearing (TDD) and text telephones (TT)
Talking clocks and wristwatches for seniors with poor vision
Low vision aids to assist with reading and other activities
Kitchen tools that make opening cans and jars, peeling vegetables and cutting and dicing ingredients easier and safer
Specialized eating utensils and dinnerware for easier dining
Automatic shut-off safety devices for kitchen appliances
“Reacher/grabber” tools for seniors who have weak grip strength and/or limited mobility
Ramps for entryways with steps
Stair lifts for multi-story homes
Mobility aids for seniors who have difficulty getting around the house (cane, rollator, walker, wheelchair, motorized scooter)
Baskets or other accessories for mobility equipment to assist in carrying items
Lift chairs for those who have difficulty getting in and out of a seated position
Is there any coverage I can get for these safety items?
Medicare will cover home safety assessments if they are considered medically necessary by a Medicare-approved physician.
These are usually deemed necessary if the patient has had a recent preventable injury at home or if durable medical equipment installation is needed.
This coverage falls under Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) and encompasses what is known as Durable Medical Equipment (DME). To be eligible for coverage, DME must meet certain criteria:
• It must be durable and capable of withstanding repeated use.
• It should be intended for a medical purpose.
• It must be necessary due to a medical condition or injury.
• It is designed for use in the home.
• It should have an expected lifetime of at least three years.
While Medicare covers essential mobility aids such as canes and walkers, it’s important to note that most bathroom safety devices, like grab bars and raised toilet seats, are typically considered “convenience items” rather than medically necessary equipment.
One caveat is if a doctor prescribes you to install a commode (which aids in bathroom use) because it may be covered under Part B’s Durable Medical Equipment benefits if prescribed.
Most home safety improvement items fall outside the scope of Medicare coverage, meaning that individuals will need to pay for them out-of-pocket.
Where can I find these items?
Most of these home safety improvement items can be found at local hardware stores. A physical or occupational therapist can also help you in finding what type of assistive device is right for you in the home.
Some of these items can also be ordered from online websites like Amazon.
Lowes and Home Depot have dedicated store sections to home safety improvements, with the option to order online for pickup and delivery or to shop in-store.
Click here for Lowes Home Accessibility & Mobility Solutions.
Lowes has two locations in Beaufort County:
35 Malphrus Road in Bluffton
207 Robert Smalls Parkway in Beaufort
Click here for Home Depot Independent Living.
- Home Depot is located at 20 Gateway Village Road in Bluffton.
What if I need help installing these items?
Not all of us can be Mr. Fixit, so if you need help installing these devices around the house, then there’s no need to worry.
Most handyman services can assist in the setup of home safety devices and ensure they’re installed properly.
Here are a few of the repair and handyman services in the Beaufort County area that can assist you in making these home modifications.
You can schedule service by calling or visiting their website.
Punch List Pros
Phone: (843) 895-2147
Click here to visit their website
Area served: Beaufort County, including Hilton Head, Bluffton, Beaufort, Okatie and more.
Mr. Handyman
Phone: (912) 561-5577
Click here to visit their website
Area served: Greater Savannah and the Hilton Head area, including most of Beaufort County.
Letz Build Handyman Service
Phone: (843) 368-5619
Email: cam@letzbuildblufftonhandyman.com
Click here to view their website
Area served: Beaufort County, Jasper County, Bluffton, Okatie, Hilton Head area.
If none of these services listed above are near you, you can easily find a service close to you by conducting a Google or online browser search. Simply type in “Handyman services near me,” and you should be given a list of options in your area.
If you choose to DIY these safety gadgets in your home, always ensure that you follow each step correctly during setup and installment.
This story was originally published March 5, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
