[JMintzer]

Originally Posted by J1ceasar

Because of dementia and depression I suggest getting rid of the guns. I know a family who is now dead because their grandfather shot them all.


I have never heard of a home invasion in The Villages so then the only protection I need his from my wife

I guess you never leave the bubble?

[JMintzer]

Originally Posted by Cranford61

They have medication for that mindset.

What "mindset" is that?

[haysus7]

You should refer to your Tom Petty quote

[R.U.N.V.S.]

Good morning. The proper location and safe installation of grabbars is the cheapest and safest addition to your home as you age. I did both bathrooms and I love them. I really can’t believe how long I lived without them. Also my caregiver is thrilled too.

I used “Grab-bars and More”.

This is a Village based company with over 20,000 installation. They will come out, do an assessment, install and train / demonstrate for proper use. Incredible guys. Very inexpensive. You won’t regret it.

Their number is 352-630-9256.

Highly recommended.

[thelegges]

Our home came with grab bars. Added cameras in and out, Alexa will notify if I can’t get to a phone. Had to bring my own SW.

[R.U.N.V.S.]

Originally Posted by DAVES

Grab bars. Be sure they are properly installed. If steel framing it requires different hardware
than wood framing. Someone is selling grab bars that are supposed to attach with suction cups. HUH, that is nuts.

You’re absolutely right. Only use professionals. They have experience in home construction and are trained specifically in grabbars and other safety devices.
Like I said earlier, we loved GrabBars and More, owned by a villager.
They were very knowledgeable and took the time to educate me. Im much more confident now.

[bruce213]

You can install a light switch on your outdoor lights with a flashing mode. On/off/flashing then if there is an emergency you can unlock the front door turn on flashing lights so responders know which house quicker.

[davefin]

Handgun under pillow helped a lot.

[cj1040]

Are all of these gun remarks serious? A gun is the last thing on our minds...you are not living out in the middle of the woods somewhere or in an inner city area. The houses here look so much alike that your chances of inviting a break in are very low. There are way too many guns and way too much drinking and that is a bad combination. We have motion lights, sturdy rugs that dont slip or bunch up and we lock up whenever we leave.

[beeneyra]

Remove all rugs, trip hazard.

[Tunesmith]

Originally Posted by bruce213

You can install a light switch on your outdoor lights with a flashing mode. On/off/flashing then if there is an emergency you can unlock the front door turn on flashing lights so responders know which house quicker.

I did a quick internet search and these emergency flasher light switches can be a bit hard to find. I suggest you try using the search terms "911 locator switch" or "home locator switch". I found one called "911 Switch" at 911switch dot com, but it's pretty expensive at $150. Another is made by Pass & Seymour, model number TM8LOCATORW which is somewhere between $50 and $75. There might be some switches that can also be Alexa-controlled, but I have no further info on them. Good luck!

[LaneyBeckler]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

We added under cabinet lighting, a UPS for the electric recliners, additional fire/smoke detectors (garage and laundry room). Added on grab bar in the walk in shower years ago. We have 5 wireless landline phones so we are always close to a phone. Added weather alert radio a few years ago, and made a plan for severe weather.

A bed safety rail that you can insert under the mattress is a great way to prevent falling out of, and for balance getting in and out of bed, especially when on medication or when otherwise disoriented. Many rails also have storage pockets.

[GrumpyOldMan]

Interesting thread.

My first thought was home modifications that apply to growing older, grab bars, non-slip driveway, walk-in showers, etc. All of which I see and most of which I agree with.

Then along came the "guns" and security systems. That is very interesting to me, how some of us consider home safety to be things like slipping and falling, and others think of someone breaking into their homes to do them harm.

It is sad to me that so many feel so insecure that they feel more of a need for guns when growing older. I am NOT saying you should not have guns if you want them, I am not saying you should not be allowed to. I just think it is sad that so many feel they need them.

My personal answer to home security concerning robbery has been, "My plan is to ask if they need help carrying anything out, or if I can get them some refreshments while they are looting". My life and their lives are worth more to me than stuff. But that is just my opinion, I expect everyone else disagrees with me.

[Villagesgal]

Installed a short grab bar at the entrance to out walk in shower to hold onto for step over to get in and out along with the regular grab bars in shower and bathroom.

[Travelingal702]

Originally Posted by billethkid

I know we need to add grab bars, but am curious where/why from some who have already done it.

My current focus is mainly the master bath/shower/tub/potty.

Get rid of all the small scatter rugs! They will trip you up when least expected.