The key to making your home safer

By taking care and paying attention while planning a renovation or arranging furniture, you can both improve your quality of life and reduce the risk of accidents in your home.

Start with common sense when thinking about home safety. Remember that every room and area of the house has to be considered, including the bathroom, balcony and even the yard. Look for problem areas in your home: Are there obstructions such as raised thresholds? Or perhaps electrical cords you could trip over? Are there rugs or runners in the living room that could be potential stumbling blocks? Is the lighting in each room adequate?

• Place a light switch right next to the front door; you won't have to stumble around in a dark house.
• Opt for light switches and outlets that contrast with the wallpaper or paint. They'll be easier to spot and will offer a little flair.
• Have a small night-light in the hall to ensure safe passage to the bathroom in the dark.
• Opt for shatterproof glass patio doors to prevent accidents. Use decorative aids, such as adhesive designs or stickers, to make the glass visible.
• Use noise-reducing measures like sound-absorbent curtains or floors to reduce echoes and other noise.
• Choose dining-room chairs with armrests, because they make it significantly easier to stand up after your meal.
• Choose sofas and chairs with raised seats to make sitting down and getting up easier. The same rule applies to your bed.
• Ensure you don't forget your keys and cell phone by designating a storage area next to the front door that is invisible from the outside.
• Install electric blinds and motorized window shades that open and close at certain times of the day to make your daily routines more convenient.
• Stick water-resistant, adhesive bathtub decals to the bottom of your tub. They offer better protection against slips and falls than a bath mat.
• Buying a shower or bathtub seat is not only for seniors — it can really simplify bathing kids, too.
• Install sturdy bathtub rails to help you get in and out of the tub.
• Install a single-handled faucet. It is a safe and easy-to-operate fixture that allows even little ones to regulate water temperature, protecting against scalding.
• Take a look at a space-saving, collapsible step ladder. It will allow you to reach the uppermost cabinets in the kitchen without risk, and they can be stored away neatly.