As seniors age, many become reliant on others to help them overcome day-to-day obstacles, from inaccessible staircases and narrow hallways to mental decline and physical disabilities. While some opt for assisted living facilities to ease their worries and support physical needs, others prefer to age in the comfort of their own homes. However, aging in place offers a unique set of complications as elderly folk navigate inaccessible spaces.
That said, those opting for in-home providers like 24 Hour Home Care should devote the necessary time and resources to senior-proofing their living spaces to combat potential hazards. Luckily, elder-friendly tech, renovations, and simple organizational changes can help your loved one live a happy, healthy, safe life at home.
Safe stairways
A challenging obstacle for elders with varying degrees of physical ailments is climbing up and down staircases. Fortunately, with the help of railings, high-quality lifts, and non-slip strips, your loved one can navigate stairs with ease, allowing them to access every corner of their home without concern. Communicate with your elder, assess their needs and comfort level, and install aids based on their physical abilities.
Stowaway clutter
For many seniors, scattered clutter can be a hazard, especially as your loved one becomes increasingly prone to trips and falls. If your senior is living with smaller children or a pet, be sure to frequently clear pathways by tucking away toys and miscellaneous objects to create a safe space for them to maneuver around. There are numerous storage compartments and shelving units that can add stylistic flair while tucking away potentially dangerous clutter.
Revamp pathways
Whether your senior loved one is meandering through main living spaces or relaxing outdoors, you’ll want to make sure their pathways are clear of cracks, uneven surfaces, and slippery flooring. Consider adding non-slip rugs and liners to entryways, slick flooring, and bathrooms to help your loved ones navigate their home with ease. Additionally, you can add ramps over cracked sidewalks or stairs, allowing seniors to access outdoor areas without fear of falling.
Create an accessible bathroom
For elders with limited mobility, bathing can be a disastrous venture. Slick, high-top tubs and slippery tile can result in tumbles, leaving many with compounded physical ailments. Luckily, you can easily add accessibility features to your bathroom by installing grab bars, non-stick mats, and senior-friendly tubs, all perfect for elderly folk who need help showering.
Grab bars allow your loved ones to steady themselves when using the toilet or bathing, while mats add traction to potentially slick surfaces, giving them extra support when using their household facilities. However, suppose they cannot correctly grip a railing due to impaired dexterity. In that case, it may be time to consider a tub with accessible features like a wide door and a movable showerhead.
Light up their home
An easy way to senior-proof your home is to increase lighting fixtures around their space. Dimly-lit areas can result in trips and falls, leading to further mobility complications. Make sure entryways and staircases are well-lit, allowing your loved one to notice hazards before it’s too late.
Wrapping up
Although creating a senior-friendly space may take resources and planning, it’s worth the time spent knowing they’ll be safe and sound when others aren’t around to help. Between high-quality stairlifts, ramps, railings, and non-slip rugs, your loved ones will feel confident knowing they can navigate their space with ease.
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