Summertime often brings sunshine, family visits, gardening, and a bit more movement throughout the house. But for older adults or anyone facing mobility challenges, summer can also come with hidden risks—from slippery outdoor steps to steamy, slick bathroom floors.

The good news? With just a few home modifications, you can make your home safer, cooler, and more accessible so you or your loved one can enjoy the season with confidence.

At Gerould’s Pharmacy & Home Medical Equipment, we specialize in home safety products, bathroom accessibility solutions, and mobility equipment designed to help you stay comfortable and independent all summer long.

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Why Summer Safety Matters

While winter is often thought of as the season for falls, summer can bring its own hazards—especially for older adults.

Things like heat, increased humidity, slippery floors from outdoor watering, or navigating uneven surfaces while trying to enjoy time outdoors can pose a real risk.

Making your home safer doesn’t require major renovations. Even a few small updates can provide a more comfortable, cool, and secure environment to help you keep living independently and enjoying the warm weather.

1. Install Non-Slip Flooring or Treads

Bare feet, sandals, and summer moisture can quickly turn indoor and outdoor flooring into a slip hazard.

  • Place non-slip mats in high-traffic areas like the kitchen, bathroom, and front entry.
  • Add grip tape or textured treads to stairs and outdoor steps.
  • Use non-slip coatings or rubber mats on porches and decks.

These updates are simple, affordable, and very effective at reducing the risk of summer slips.

2. Upgrade Your Entryways

As we move more between inside and outside during summer, it’s important that entrances are safe and easy to navigate.

  • Install a threshold ramp at the front or back door for wheelchairs, scooters, or walkers.
  • Add handrails on both sides of any outdoor stairs.
  • Make sure the pathway to the door is clear, level, and well-lit.
     

At Gerould’s, we offer modular ramps and support rail options for quick installation—many of which are weather-resistant and low maintenance.

Learn More About Ramps & Installation

3. Enhance Bathroom Safety

Heat and humidity can increase condensation in bathrooms, making floors even more slippery in summer. Add these upgrades to reduce the risk of falls:

  • Grab bars near the toilet and shower
  • Shower chairs and handheld showerheads
  • Non-slip shower mats or decals
  • Raised toilet seats for easier transitions
  • Ventilation to reduce moisture buildup

If you’ve been considering a walk-in tub or curbless shower, summer is a great time to make that change with Gerould’s help.

Browse Bath Safety Products

4. Add a Stair Lift for Comfort and Confidence

Climbing stairs can be difficult any time of year—but in summer, when dehydration or fatigue is more common, it can become dangerous.

  • A stair lift provides a safe, comfortable way to access upper or lower floors.
  • It reduces fall risk and gives loved ones peace of mind.
  • Perfect for homes where air conditioning or bathrooms are located on a different level.

Gerould’s offers professional guidance and installation to make stair lift selection and setup simple and stress-free.

Find a Stairlift for Your Needs Here

5. Improve Indoor and Outdoor Lighting

Longer days don’t always mean better visibility. Many seniors struggle with glare, shadows, or dim lighting, especially in the evening.

  • Add motion-sensor lighting in hallways, bathrooms, and entryways.
  • Brighten up exterior pathways, steps, and porches with solar lights or LED fixtures.
  • Use nightlights in bathrooms or bedrooms for safe overnight trips.
  • Reduce window glare with light-filtering shades or curtains.

Good lighting is a simple but critical part of fall prevention—especially when paired with a mobility aid like a rollator or cane.

6. Create Safe Outdoor Spaces

Getting outside is good for the soul—and good for circulation too! But uneven surfaces, garden tools, and heat can make outdoor areas risky without a few tweaks.

  • Keep walkways clear of hoses, cracks, and clutter.
  • Use stable outdoor furniture with armrests.
  • Provide shaded areas to prevent overheating.
  • Use canes, walkers, or rollators with rubber tips or all-terrain wheels for added stability.

Gerould’s can help recommend and fit the right mobility product for your lifestyle, whether it’s indoor, outdoor, or both.

Learn More About Mobility at Gerould’s

7. Check HVAC Access and Summer Emergency Prep

Staying cool in summer is a serious health matter for older adults. Make sure your cooling systems are accessible and emergency-ready:

  • Keep thermostats within reach—consider a smart thermostat with easy controls.
  • Make sure air conditioners are serviced and working properly.
  • Use fans in sitting areas to improve airflow.
  • Store bottled water, cooling towels, and a list of emergency contacts where they’re easy to find.

If your AC system is located in an attic or basement, a stair lift or assistance device might be needed to ensure access during emergencies.

Final Thoughts & Local Support

There’s no reason to let home hazards get in the way of enjoying summer. With just a few thoughtful upgrades, you can make your space cooler, safer, and more accessible—and enjoy the season with less worry and more freedom.

At Gerould’s Pharmacy & Home Medical Equipment, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Whether you’re looking for a grab bar, a stair lift, a modular ramp, or guidance on how to make your home more age-friendly, we’re your local Elmira partner in aging in place.

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