How to Childproof Your Home in Retirement
There are a lot of joys that come with retirement. Maybe you will finally get to spend time traveling the way that you have always dreamed of. Or perhaps you will have the time to dive into the hobbies and passions that you have not had the chance to explore in recent years. or perhaps you are just thrilled about the opportunity to spend more time with your grandchildren. Spending time with your grandchildren is a great way to stay active and engaged with your grandchildren, but to do so safely you do need to do some things in your home.
Here are three things you need to do to childproof your home during retirement for your grandchildren.
Secure Heavy Objects
The first thing that you need to do to childproof your home during retirement is to secure heavy objects in your home. Heavy objects pose a risk to anyone in your home, but particularly small grandchildren that could be crushed or trapped by larger heavier items. Make sure that bookshelves, armoires, dressers, etc. are anchored into the wall, and that large sculptures, vases, or pillars are secured to the ground to prevent falling.
Remove Sharp Items
The next thing that you should do to childproof your home in retirement is to remove sharp items from easy reach. Sharp items can be incredibly dangerous for children because they lack coordination and understanding of the danger of sharp items. This includes things like knives, scissors and tools as well as sharp corners and edges on furniture and counters. Rounded kitchen counters can prevent injuries even for seniors. Make sure that anything your grandchildren might cut themselves on is covered or protected.
Consider Carpeting
The final thing that you can do to childproof your home in retirement is to consider carpeting as a flooring option. While hardwood floors may be durable and beautiful, they’re also hard, and slippery, both of which can pose a danger to your grandchildren if they were to slip and fall. Carpeting is much more forgiving and softer than hardwood flooring and can allow for the type of play that children typically participate in. If you are serious about child proofing your home in retirement then you should have at least one room in your home that is carpeted and large enough for children to play.
Embarking on retirement can be incredibly exciting. Especially if you have grandchildren that you are excited about spending more time with. If you are expecting to spend more time with your grandchildren then you should consider child proofing your home in retirement and these three ways to ensure the safety of your grandchildren when they spend time with you.
Check out this article on what every retiree needs in a home!
